Franklin County: Bob Taggart to Captain John
Taggart, January 10, 1863
Summary:
Taggart discusses concerns about military pay policies and schedules.
Captain John Taggart, 9th Penn. Reserve Infantry
January 10th 1863
Camp near White Oak Church
Dear John
Your favor containing postage stamps came to hand a few days ago. I found use for
the stamps and am very much obliged to you for them. Both money and stamps have
been very scarce with us and the former likely to be scarce for a few days yet.
I would not have known what to do at different times, had it not been for Sam
Harper. The first time I visited the 139th I had been paid
off a few days previous and Sam after enquiring how I was [unclear:
off
] for money gave me $10. Before marching to White Plains, I met him
again
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and hearing that we had not yet been paid off he insisted
on me taking $10 more. Still, when in camp and the Commissary is in blast we can
manage to get enough to eat. I do think though that they are not treating our
Brigade right. The latest report is that the Paymaster will not be up for twenty
days yet at the expiration of which time, there will be none of our men but will
have seven
months
pay due then, and a great many will have nine
months coming but the probability is we will only
receive four
months pay; and then every thing in this country
purchased outside the Commissary costs at lowest mark about three
[page 3]
what you would pay for it any place north of the Potomac. Well I suppose it will
be all right some day. I have not yet heard from the 123d
if I knew exactly where they were I would go over.
It has been remarkably fine weather here until this morning when rain set in and promises to continue. I received for to days mail Dispatch of the 7th. Also letters Sally & Lizzie. Will answer them soon. My love to all the folks.
Your Affect Brother
Bob
