Clapp, George (fl. 1839-1892) to Parents

Will be home 17 months from tomorrow. "God grant that the cloud which now hangs over our nation" will be gone by then. The war is God's punishment. "There was never a more corrupt and sinful government than ours has been" for the past 20 years. Believes the war will not end until there is no more "fraud, dishonesty, deceit, and immorality." Finally got paid for 4 months pay. Was going to be paid, but the raid interrupted pay. The paymaster returned, but without sufficient money for the whole regiment, and had to return to Washington. He finally came back with 4 months of pay yesterday. Describes the paymaster, Major Dixon: "He is a man between 60 and 70 years of age, short and thick set, with very high forehead, almost bald with a slight amount of gray hair or white for it is almost like snow, gray eyes, fat face, and a short, red, turn up sort of nose, weighs about 210 pounds." He is also a heavy drinker. "Yesterday there was but two or three men in our company who was not a victim for from 1 to 5 dollars which the Government claimed [from their pay], owing to a deficiency in the clothing and ordinance accounts of our company." The commanding officer of the company is responsible for the clothing and ordinance accounts, so this is his responsibility. He did a dishonorable thing by letting his men pay for his mistake in the accounts. "He was very kind to divide the amount so nearly equal among us. One man suffers about as much as another." Supposes that dividing it was better than just putting the burden on one or two men, but he still should have settled the problem himself. Lost $1.10 out of his paycheck and has charged it to his commanding officer. Captain Robinson put some of the blame on Captain Bliss for leaving the accounts in such a mess. It would cost between $100 and $200 for the captain to repay the whole debt. Has not seen General Grant yet, but expects a review soon. General Wheaton's brigade returned a week ago from Ohio and the other brigade in the division is on its way. Their return probably is a signal that a major campaign is coming. There is no need to frame the pass he sent home. Will send "a specimen" of the money they use when they do not have any greenbacks. They would like Captain Hayden; he is "a first best good hearted man." Thinks it would be good for Father to fill the garden with tobacco. Heard there was a revival going on back home; wishes he could be there. Got a letter from a friend in Springfield saying he is going to be baptized today. Mother's sympathies go out to the family of the soldier who died of pneumonia. Feels responsible for keeping up the good name of the family. Will send Charlie a paper this week.