City Point Va.

Sept 22^nd 1864

 

Dear Parents

            I received your kind and very welcome letter of the 14^th was received yesterday eve was very glad to hear from you as it was a good while since I had a letter from you. Just returned last night from Norfolk after a five days absence—

 

Received an order on Friday last to proceed to Fort Monroe to turn over certain pub. property I had stored there—and on Saturday morning an order from Gen Patrick to take 75 recruits to the Fort—both together made me five days. Left City Point about noon on Sat—on a spec-boat—got to the Fort about 7 P.M. turned over my / men to the Pro. Marshal and went up to the Hygeia to stay all night. Next morning—went up to Newport News to see Gen Wild & Staff. Found my friend Lt. Robinson (formerly on the 1^st Brig staff with me) living snugly in a house with his wife and children. He has a very fine little wife—and two nice little children. I remained there till Tuesday morning and enjoyed myself exceedingly well. It just seemed like home. In fact it almost made me wish I had a wife myself. Lt. R. has promised me their photographs—will send them to you when I get them. Tuesday I went up to Norfolk—remained all night and came up to this place yesterday. The Sec. of War issued an order this summer that no Gov't transport should carry Officers or soldiers free—unless under orders—and establishing very exorbitant rates. / Hence—instead of getting a leave and passes—I got orders—which saved me about $15.00.

 

A great deal of dissatisfaction is felt among Army Officers now on account of their pay being too little—especially Captains & Lieutenants. The pay of enlisted men has been raised 1/3—and large bounties are now given.—Yet Officers have to pay more than double the prices for everything they require—than they did a year ago. Must pay a servant clothe & feed him—rations have advanced greatly—and clothing and other nick nacks are at exorbitant prices, for instance a pair of Army boots costs from $18.00 to $25.00—A pair of trousers the same—a dress coat: $50. to $71.00—an overcoat from $75 to $125.00—a shirt from $6. to $10.00 &c. If an Officer has an enlisted man for servant it costs him $52.00 per month. 

 

Major Baker returned a few days since—was exchanged at Charleston. He looks very well—and says he gained fifteen lbs in Rebeldom. Does not complain of their treatment of him. Thinks it was a fortunate thing—being sent to Charleston and put under our fire.

 

I do not think there was any justice in your having to pay so much money for substitutes. In fact I do not like this substitute business—better let the draft come and take whomsoever it will. Yet I reckon the less said about it the better.

 

Was sorry to learn of Mr. Stophers affliction—How many children he has followed to the grave.

 

We are feeling very jubilant over Sheridan's great victory in the Valley. A few more such blows and all will be over. That is the path to peace. Oh! that our peace men of the North—(falsely so) could only see it in that light. They fear lest the south should be conquered—and the majority of our Gov't vindicated. These late victories of our arms seem to have quieted down the Copperheads somewhat /

 

[margin]

 

I don't know exactly what the sentiment of the army is on the Presidential question—I think a good many of the General

 

Officers are in favor of M^cClellan and perhaps a pretty large minority of the under officers and men. Yet the tide is evidently for Lincoln. The Regular Army is likely strong for "Mac" I understand they had quite a "Spree" at Meade's H'd Qrs. on the news of his nomination—and I shouldn't wonder if that had something to do with Gen. Grant's order prohibiting any spiritous or malt liquors being brought into the Army.

 

The Army don't have as much confidence in Meade since the "Mine" Affair as before—Gen Burnside has been away some time and is not expected back.

I guess the Rebels got safely away with our cattle—Had all chances. The corral was just on the opposite side of the river from Harrison's Landing—some eight miles below this place and the guard was quite weak— /

 

[margin]

 

Much love to both of you—Write soon

           

Affec. Your Son

J. W. Barnett

SOURCES