In Camp, near Marietta, Ga.,

Nov. 8^th, 1864

 

My Dear Mother:

                        As you will perceive from the heading of my letter I am again with my Regiment, and it really seems quite homelike to be amongst the boys again. Yesterday I returned, being just in time to receive my long expected pay. Yesterday our Regiment was paid off up to the 1^st of September. Enclosed you will find a check for $175, which I am very glad to be able to send you. You will see that I send my money by the State Agent, a means I used once before. You will draw the money at the County Treasury. It probably will not be received there for some days after you receive this check, but it will surely come. Now let me tell you what I wish you to do with it. Seventy five dollars you must retain for your own use, at least, / and as much more as you need. As for the remainder, you had better procure a $100 Government Bond, which bears interest at seven per cent, the interest payable every six months in gold and silver. This will be a safe investment of the money, and besides will possess these advantages: 1^st It will be ready at hand if you need it for use, and 2^d It is not taxable. Legal tender Treasury Notes, bearing interest at 6 per cent, would do equally well, except that the interest is payable at the end of three years instead of every six months. I was paid in this latter kind of Notes. If you can get this latter kind of Notes you will find the interest computed on the back. Thus: Six months after date of issue the n a Note of $20. is worth $20.60. The interest is compounded every six months, and at the end of three years, / the Note of $20 is worth $23.88. My pay here was all in these $20 Notes. Thus much for the matter of pay.

 

            Yesterday I received letters from you and Jerusha, one of date of the 11^th Oct. from Jerusha, and two from you one 19^th one 22^d. I was very glad indeed to hear from home again before starting upon our great expedition. Two letters from home had been forwarded to Gen'l Hosp'l by William Pfeiffer. These I may possibly yet receive as William still left the direction to my Regiment on them. Those sent from home to Gen'l Hosp'l with nothing to indicate my Regiment will never reach me. I am sorry, but it can't be helped now. I hope you have not forwarded that box, but I am afraid you have since I have written so urgently.

 

            We shall probably start on our / grand raid in two or three days, and this will probably be the last letter I shall have opportunity to write for some time. I will write at the first opportunity but you must not expect another letter for four or five weeks at least. You at home however must continue to write from time to time, and direct your letters thus, and I think there is no doubt of their finally reaching me. 1^st Brigade, 1^st Division, 17^th (16^th no longer recollect) Army Corps Atlanta Ga. Our march will probably be a wearisome one, but I look forward to it without dread, now that my health is recovered. As for my overcoat I do not much regret that it is not here, for I have two blouses, and with two shirts I can get along very well in the warm climate we are going to.

 

            You ask what position Mr. Rice holds. He is now Quartermaster of our Regiment. I have plenty of paper and stamps and envelopes for the present. The paper and thread and envelopes came safely.

 

            And now, dear mother and sister, for the present farewell. May God sustain you both in every anxiety, and shield you from all harm is the earnest prayer of

                                   

Your aff. Son and Brother,

Geo. R. Gear.

           

William sends his respects and says that he would write, but probably will not find time now.

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