New Orleans, La.,

March 13, 1865.            

                                 

My very dear Wife

            I am now on my way home, having been honorably discharged, at Fort Gaines, in Mobile Bay, yesterday. I am going to the Paymaster with my Muster-Out Rolls, to see if I can get my pay. If I get it, I will come to Columbus—see the men mustered out, and come to Waynesburg. If not, I will have to go to Washington city before I get my pay. I fear I cannot collect the ration money I mentioned to you—for the boys—as it seems they have to return to the Regt. and make oath that they are the identical men; besides getting the Company Commander that they were prisoners, and also of the Col. that they have not forfeited their / pay by absence without leave. If I find I can do it I will, as it would be a nice thing for them, and would pay me well for my time. If I telegraph you, via Pittsburg, to Waynesburg, to come to Ohio, don't fail to do so, as in that case it will be some time before I can come to Pa. But I think I'll get through and come immediately to see you. I hope so at least. Oh! I am so anxious to be with you and as I am now a free citizen I think I will be there by the time this reaches you. I want my hand trunk with my papers and clothes at Columbus. If I knew it to be at Mr. Racer's in Marietta, I would telegraph him to send it to the "Goodale House", in Columbus.

           

I will soon see what I can do, and will write again. 

 

My love to all the friends, at home and elsewhere. I will be with you soon.

                                                                       

Your affectionate husband

A.W. M^cCormick

 

P.S. I forgot to tell you Lt Fisher is also mustered out on expiration of his commission, and came with me to this city. We hope to go to Cairo this evening. Col. Stevens, Lt West, Lt Berry, Lt Pugh, Maj Wall, Capt Morris, are the officers now with the Battalion. All of them well. So are all the boys. They would give their "bottom dollar" to have me in Col. Stevens place, they say.

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