On February 24th, 1908, Wilson left Nicholasville to begin his journey to the college in Normal, Alabama. He had earlier transferred his bags to a locker at the railroad station and he caught the 10:45 pm train after an event-filled day. En route he had breakfast with a friend in Chattanooga, Tennessee, and when he arrived in Normal at 2:10 on the afternoon of the 25th, he immediately reported in to President William Hooper Councill. The President was especially pleased to welcome him back, because following his departure in the spring of 1904 the position had lain vacant for a year. His first replacement, Wade Hammond, lasted only one year, and Hammond's replacement, George F. Hill, remained on campus the same length of time. Consequently, A. & M. had no bandmaster for another academic year, 1907-1908. Despite Councill's best efforts, the music program had fallen into a state of disrepair. James was a welcome addition to the faculty in 1908, and he began work in earnest as bandmaster and instructor of vocal music before the academic year had come to a close. The Freeman reported that President Councill had taken ill about this time, but if Wilson no-ticed any signs of his employer's poor health, he makes no mention of it in his journal. After this initial conference with the President, James took the time to meet a few of the teachers and then strolled around the campus to reacquaint himself with the grounds and buildings to observe whether any changes had taken place since his departure in 1904.

That evening after dinner Wilson attended the devotional exercises required of all the students in the college. One might note that it made no difference whether or not A. & M. was a landgrant, state-supported public institution, for at that time in history Alabama A. & M. was clearly a Protestant Christian college. At this first evening religious service Wilson was introduced to the students, and on this occasion he had an opportunity to offer a few remarks. After the meeting he visited “the judge,” whoever that might have been. Perhaps he was seeking advice about a divorce. Later he enjoyed some Coca Cola and peanuts “on Mr. Griffin,” the commandant of the college. The last thing James did before retiring for the night was write another letter to Toula, the woman who had become his touchstone.