Valentine G. Barney to Maria Barney
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I have at last succeeded in getting back the $120- and am glad to be through with
the [fuss] The envelope got here yesterday and this morning I
came down and made a statement as to how and when the money was put up and they
paid over the $120 without any hesitation Since we were paid I have been obliged
to expend a considerable money and from the $50 – I had left after paying my
debts I have but $10 left so I have kept $40- of the $120- and bought a draft
for $80 which you will find enclosed
You can do with it just what
you please, pay up store debts or take up a note but I think I would not keep a
great deal of it on hand, of course you will remember Martha. The reason for my
keeping back so much is that it is uncertain when we will be paid again and I
dont want to be obliged to have to send home for money again. You must thank
Father for the pains he has taken in this money affair and pay him for any
expense he was to in getting depositions made out &c. &c. Since I last
wrote a lot more Sesesh Prisoners have arrived and we have now about 4,000 in
Camp and they are around there
as thick as you please. They seem
very peaceable and very glad to get into so comfortable quarters. The last lot
were a better grade than the First and though they are very ragged and dirty-
they have a pleanty of clothing such as it is Sgt Halbert and Corpl Cleveland
both have charge of 250 of them each and have to call the roll three times a day
we expect 800 more to day I am in hopes we will be released from here by the 1st
of March for I cant bear the idea of remaining here during the Spring. Last
night I attended a Lecture at Ryan Hall, by John B. Gough and it was ahead of
any thing I ever heard before. he is the
celebrated Temperance
Lecturer and draws a full house. I have been in and saw my friend Mr. Rounds and
he gave me a very pressing invitation to come down and attend Church with him
and take dinner after I shall come if I can get out of camp. by the way no one
is allowed out of camp without a written pass signed by our Gen. so it is not
easy to get out now. Every thing goes on about as usual. you perceive by the
date of this that I am at the Sherman house it is the best Hotel in the City and
when I look at the marble floor I feel proud to know it was manufactured by my
Father I got your good long letter and told Jewett that his wife was of no
account compared with mine she writes only once a week. Kiss the children
Affy Yours Val