Sutlers Dept. 45^th Pa. V.V.

Before Petersburg, Va.

March 5^th 1865.

 

Dear Sister

                        Mary, I now will try to write you a few lines once more, to let you know my whereabouts, and that I am well as usual. I have written to you several times since I was out there last November, but have never rec'd a word from you in answer, and now I will try once more, and I have a good mind to send you a sheet of paper to write on and see if it will do any good, but may be you have paper enough of your own. /

 

When I came down here I did not think of staying more than a week, just long enough to settle up my accounts with U. S. but our old Sutler wanted me to stay with him a little while, and I thought if I went home, I would not do anything this winter but to run around and spend what money I had, so I thought I had better stay here for 75 dollars a month and board. I can stay for six months or a year if I want to, if the war should continue that long.

 

            I saw Wallace, week before last, he was down to see me. he is well as usual but he begins to feel a little / homesick sometimes, and would give half of his big bounty to get out of the Service again. I think that I will come home for a few days next month, about the time you are making sugar.

 

            The pay Master was here last week and paid off the Regt for four months pay. the green backs are very plenty here now. it dont take long to sell a 100 dollars worth of goods. there is another man in the shop with me, and we are busy from 7 oclock in the morning till 9 at night, handing out goods and taking in green backs. you think that prices are very high there, and I know that they are, but you just imagine them doubled here, and you will have some idea of how long a months pay will last a man if he has an opportunity to spend it.

 

            Well, it is almost dinner time, and I will close hoping that you will answer soon. give my best respects to all friends,

                       

from your Brother

W^m Chase,

45^th Pa Vet Vols,

1^st Brig 2^nd Divi. 9^th A.C.

Sutlers Dept.

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