Valentine G. Barney to Maria Barney
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I recd your letter last night stating you had recd the package of money but that
it only contained $360 instead of $480. I am perfectly sure that I put $480 into
the envelope and sealed and directed it while in the office of the Ex- Co- I
recd of the government $580.05 and paid from that debts to the amt of $40- that
I was owing in the Company. just before I started to go to the Ex- office I
counted the money and found it all right there being $540 left but while at the
office I took out $60 for my use here and counted the remainder to be sure it
was right and found it so then being $480 without the least possible doubt. Now
the question is where has the $120 gone and how am I to recover it? I sent you
the recpt the Co gave me and presume will have to have it here in order to show
the agent
I dont know exactly what course to persue to get the money
but will find out to day. You say the envelope did not look as if it had been
opened but possibly it might have been changed. if that is the case I could
detect it as I directed myself and remember very nearly how I done it. The 8 was
blotted. I will go down and see the Express Agent to day and find out more about
it and write you again tomorrow, perhaps it will be necessary for you to send
the Envelope here but you need not do it till I write again. I enclose you Sgt
Halberts photograph also Lieut. Jewetts and presume your Album will be pretty
near full with these but I shall send you more ere long. I am anxious to hear
from you again and and hope that the $120 will be recovered all right I can
think of nothing more to write now I am a member of a court marshall now trying
cases of desertion &c &c
Kiss the Babies and write often to your aff Husband. V.G. Barney
Maria I have just seen the Superintendant of the Ex. Office and he wants you to send him by Express the Envelope enclosed in a larger one also the Statement of Mr Scott as to what [condition he rec’d] the package in. also your statement of the same and the statement of any one who saw it opened and counted Direct to Jas C Fargo Spt American Ex. Co. Chicago Ill. you may send me the recpt and write at the time you send him the Envelop
Your V. G. Barney
I send you a sample of Chicago currency.