Letter from James Carroll to Jennie Carroll on December 1, 1900

Camp Columbia, Cuba, 

December 1st, 1900. 

My dear Jennie:  Your letter of the 27th reached me this morning with one of Ida’s enclosed. Don’t trouble to send me any more letters that do not contain anything of interest to me. If you had simply told me what Ida had said I should not have looked for the letter but you have neither done that nor sent the letter. 

Well I called on General Wood today and what do you think he said he would do? Give me commutation of quarters which is only $24.00 a month and would start only from the 1st of this month. He told me to put in an application through Dr. Reed. I have done so but I have not asked for commutation of quarters but for an allowance to defray additional personal expenses incident to my duty as a member of the board. Of course I told Reed this evening as cool as a cucumber. He immediately said I am very glad I shall put in an application of commutation of quarters too. That will give him $48.00 per month and if I were a major of volunteers I could get the same.  Gen Wood was very nice.  He said “Hallo Carroll how are you?” My friend has been quite thoughtful and very nice since. The paper is now in his hands.  

By the way Mrs. Stark in conversation with a lady on the porch yesterday morning said “Dr. Carroll wants Gen. Sternberg  to make him a” -- could not catch this --” but I don’t think Gen Sternberg is going to do it.” How is that for high! 

I must now answer some of the childrens’ letters. How intelligent they are to know just when to write!  

With love and kisses for all 

As ever your affect husband  

James  

P.S. sent the check by today’s mail. Tracy has gone in the same boat and he will call and see you.