Lieutenant William James Fisher, Civil War Soldier

Dear Father & Aunt Angie

I received yours this morning, dated Nov 4th, and Aunt Angie’s of Oct 30th.

You write that you haven’t received the letter I wrote on the 20th Oct. and Fred Callaway hasn’t received his. If you go to Uncle John’s any time soon, tell the boys that I shall expect the next writing to be done by them.

I expect we shall move over into Virginia very soon. General Scott has resigned and general McClelland, it is thought, will put the Regulars into Virginia. General Scott’s plan was to keep us as a reserve in case of another disaster like that at 1st Bull Run.

I should like to send my overcoat home, if I could fix upon any plan by which I could get it there. It’s of no use to me here. It’s more in the way than anything else. So I think I’ll send it home by Adams Express, but I will let you know by my next letter what I have concluded to do.

I guess you have got your wheat sown and are getting in your corn.

We have it rather cool today. We had a very heavy rain last night.

I was passing down the Avenue yesterday and saw a bundle of partridges, a rabbit, summer duck, and a wild turkey hanging up before a restaurant. I felt then as if I should like to take a little spree gunning.

I guess Uncle John’s boys have a nice time now partridge hunting. I should like to see them all and go hunting with them.

I’m very well except for a cold which I have taken since last night.

Write soon and tell me all the news.

Your affectionate son, W. J. Fisher

PS I have sent two copies of the Rebellion Record. Have you ever received them? W. J. F.

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Dear Father

I received yours of 12th a few days ago and also one of same date from Uncle John’s boys.

I am still attached to the 2nd infantry, although I applied for permission to join my own Regiment more than a week ago. I heard this morning that they are to leave soon for Leavenworth City. I hope I shall get orders to join before that time because if they go out to Kansas I want to go with them. But if we do make a move of that kind I’ll write immediately and let you know.

There is a grand review going on over the river today. Most of the officers have gone over. There are thirty-two thousand troops to be reviewed.

To answer Ma’s inquiries on how I live, I live at a private house and pay thirty dollars a month for my meals only. I have quarters assigned to me by the government. I pay five dollars per month to a black boy for fixing up my rooms and one dollar per day for washing. Put all together it amounts to about forty or forty five dollars per month just to live.

Write soon give my love to the family.

Your affectionate son, W. J. Fisher