Culture

U. S. Barracks, Brattleboro, Vt. Dec. 13^th, 1863.

Dear Abiah –

This is Sunday, but I have done a hard day’s work. Two hundred men have signed the pay rolls today. Each
man has signed name on ten different rolls. There were four of us to attend to it, Barton Works, Henry Newell, Stephen Josyln and myself and I tell you it has been close work, the blunders. You now how it is about showing them where to sign. Well, imagine 200 and I took them first. It has rained hard all day, all come in as wet as rats.

I was updating our Day in History listings and came across something that might astound and amaze you.

In 1875, according to the Vermont Phoenix, Brattleboro’s total expenses for the year were estimated at about $7,000. To compare, in 2015 our expenses are projected to be just under $17 million.

To be fair, they had just added a major expense to the Brattleboro budget in 1875 – streetlights, at a cost of $1,000 per year. Without them, the amount spent would have been lower.

Residents at the time voted to lay a tax of 40 cents on the dollar of the grand list to cover the cost of running the town.

Brattleboro, Vt. Dec. 8^th,
1863.

Dearest wife –

I have but a little time and you will have to put up with a short letter this time. The box came safely to hand. I found that it was at the express office and asked for a pass. Capt. Brannon says “write one”. It is signed in a minute (That is the way I get them now) got a wheel barrow and trotted off, brought it up all right. That cheese will be good. It will be first rate. Our bread is nice now. I have eaten beans until I have had enough of them but still they come. There was one parcel that had not been opened, directed to you. When I opened it, Lo and behold: there was 1 pair of mittens two pair of socks and two pair of little mittens. Well, I tell you I thought of the little hands they were made to cover. The things were all right. What shall I do with the little mittens? Shall I send them by mail, or wait until I get a chance to send them up with some person coming down.

Brattleboro, December 4^th,
1863.

Dearest wife –

I have today the finest chance in the world to write you a good, nice warm room and a desk and nothing to do although I have had enough work yesterday and this forenoon. Day before yesterday I was detailed to assist in making out rolls in Mr. Mead’s office. He is superintendent of recruits. Commenced work yesterday, and have had to work pretty hard until a short time since, that job is done. How long I am to remain here I know not. I am here now, and shall improve it writing to you. I was rejoiced to receive a letter from you. It appears that we both had a letter in the road at the same time. You will find that I sent twenty dollars instead of fifteen. Well, I could not get the bill changed in camp and let it all slide. I suppose we shall get our bounty sometime if we do not get it, another pay day will come on some time or another.