Letter No. XIII.
Camp near Fredericksburg,
August 14th, 1863.
To Mrs. Theodore Stark, Columbia, South Carolina:
Dear Mother: Yesterday was quite an exciting time among the soldiers. We were paid off our dues up to July 1st, and everybody consequently felt very rich. A great many bet at cards, who would never do so at home, because they have nothing else to do. It is a sort of frolic and past time, and a good many have already lost all they had. My pay amounted to $79.70. I enclose $50 of it in this letter, which you will please keep for me, as I may get sick, or wounded, some day, and need it, and can then borrow with a clear conscience, knowing I have the wherewith to pay. I will retain the balance to buy peas, rice, dried apples, etc., which our butler has. You can keep the money for Mary, or use it for her benefit, in case I should ever be missing at the fireside. I trust the report of General Hood’s promotion to Lieutenant Colonel of cavalry is true, and also of General Hampton to Major-General. I think Hood would endeavor to mount our brigade. Love to all.
Your son, truly,
John C. West.
