Huttonsville April 2^nd 1862

 

            The paymaster has gone, and once more dear wife I can write to you from my own quarters. Since his departure the tent has been comparatively quiet, and it is with a feeling of relief that I commence my letter, with only Col Constable present. Since the paymaster has been here, my tent has of course been thronged with both men and officers receiving their pay, the men paid up to March the first only, so that there is one months pay now due the whole regiment. The government have promised to pay every two months, but so far have failed to do so. What the practice will be in the future we will probably find out in the course of time. Last night we were kept up until near one oclock by the closing business of the paymaster so that tonight we expect to retire early. In fact / Col Constable has already gone to sleep upon the outside of his cot although it is yet early. Today we have given furloughs to some thirty men who are just recovering from the measles, and they have started for home under the charge of Dr Wilson. The Dr did not require urging on my part, but obeyed my order with great willingness. I ordered him to Parkersburg where his wife now is, and told him to tell her that she might thank me for all the kisses she gets from her husband. The men are sending home quite a large portion of their pay. I have not yet ascertained the amount but will try and do so. Capt Friend has gone today to Newburg to meet Mr Fox who expects to come on to take the money of the Lockland boys home. I shall send by him probably all that I can spare for you. I received twelve hundred and thirty three dollars as my pay up to March the first. Out of this I have paid my living for myself and horses and some money which I had borrowed / at Camp M^cLean of the sutler & Capt Friend &c. This all amounted to one hundred and sixty seven or eight dollars, leaving for you and I one thousand and sixty five dollars. I think I can send you the thousand, and keep the odd amount to live on until next pay day. I cannot tell exactly tonight but will be able to determine when Mr Fox arrives. With this amount you will be able no doubt to get along comfortably. You must of course be as economical as you can, without stinting yourself in any particular. This money you will expend as you please. I make you my banker and provider, to use the money according to your pleasure. Fox will probably arrive by the last of the week, and return some time next week.

 

            We are all very much exercised in regard to our position in this department. If we are to be kept as a guard for the mountain passes, with no prospect of any other other service than this, there will be great dissatisfaction / in the regiment. All are anxious for our advance, and cannot bear the idea of rusting their lives away in this region. We are now waiting with great anxiety to hear of the progress of Gen^l Banks, and hope his movements will make it advantageous to throw a column against the rebels from this point under Gen^l Milroy. If this should be the case we shall certainly have a chance, for I think Gen^l Milroy thinks more highly of the 75^th than of any regiment in his brigade. We stand high with everyone, even the paymaster said that we were the nicest regiment he had ever paid off. We intend to keep up our reputation in all particulars. Day before yesterday one of the citizens living near here told me that we were called the religious regiment. Among them all we will try and do our duty in all respects, so as to command the respect of both friends and enemies. I am afraid I have written a stupid letter for with want of sleep and fatigue from battalion drill I am anything but bright. Love to the children & all the family. Good night kisses loving & warm to darling wife.

                                                                                                                       

N. C. M^cLean

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