Magie, James K. to Mary Magie
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC05241.12 Author/Creator: Magie, James K. Place Written: Franklin, Tennessee Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 17 February 1863 Pagination: 2 p. Order a Copy
Reports that he was appointed Brigade Postmaster. His new position will allow him to make $30 to $50 a month by selling writing paper, envelopes and newspapers. The colonel is still under arrest. A strange order requires the regiment to get up at 5:30 and to stand at arms, with full knapsacks, until 6:30. Magie is exempt from this order.
James K. Magie to Mary Magie
Franklin, Tennessee, 17 February 1863.
Autograph letter signed, 2 pages.
Feb.17/ 63
Franklin, Tenn. Feb. 17. 1863
Dear Wife- I have a few minutes in which to write and I improve the opportunity. We have had no mail since we left Louisville. There has been so much dissatisfaction [struck: that] about Mr. Painter as Postmaster that he was removed this morning, and I was appointed in his place. In less than an hour I was promoted to the office of Brigade Postmaster. This gives me the privilege of going out or coming in just as I please. I am also furnished a horse, and I have the privilege of selling papers, envelopes, letter paper, & by which I can make from 30 to 50 dollars per month. I shall go to Nashville to-morrow and bring out our mail. We are clear behind hand in news. We have now been here on the same ground since Thursday last, 12th [illegible]. We have not been disturbed in the least by the enemy, although he is in considerable force only a few miles from here. The weather has not been very favorable of late. It rained last night like summer showers, and to-day it is misty and muddy. Ben Gill is at work shoing [sic] mules. I hear his hammer going as I write this letter. The boys have considerable fun in [2] throwing the mules, and tying them so that they can be shod. We have a new order similar to the one we had in Loiusville when we were there in September last. The regiment is required to get up at half-past 5 in the morning, and stand to arms until half-past 6, with knapsacks strapped upon their backs. The teamsters are also required to have their teams [illegible] up and they also have to stand an hour. The sense of the order no one can perceive. I am fortunately exempt, so I sleep on until breakfast is ready. The Colonel still remains under arrest. He is quite sick now. He had so little for me to do that I got tired of doing nothing. I shall be better satisfied I think with my present position.
As soon as I receive our mail and hear from you I shall write you again. I hope you received the $40 all right. Orderly Clark is not very well just now. Lieut McCandless has not got back yet. It is thought he will be dismissed. If he is I think Orderly Clark stands a good chance of being promoted.
Good bye my love
Your affectionate
James
Tell Nichols to send paper [inserted: 8 mos.] to Ms. E. S. [illegible], Rockport, Ind.
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