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ASHAEL SUMNER DEAN
CIVIL WAR LETTERS TO
HIS FAMILY
U.S Ship Harvest Moon Washington, Mar. 7
1864
My own very dear Wife
We are again under sailing orders and
are liable to move at a half hour's notice We know not where and my heart is
sick to think I cannot hear from you I have sent you many letters but I have
received none from you and now I am to go away from so short a distance from
you and shall get no word I hope you are well and happy I am but for this
one thing I do not hear my own dear wife speaking to me or feel her warm
breath I never can regain what I love by this _____ _____
(undecipherable-ed.) when this war closes I will haste to be with you I will
not leave you You will write as usual and dearest until you hear I have
sailed as follows: U.S.S. H.M. via Wash. Navy Yard Flag Ship S.A.B Squadron
I think it possible that we only go down
the river & back I cannot tell anything about it I shall send you this and
mail you another at the last moment and you will know Please continue to send
the advertiser I shall find them all sometime How does you money hold out?
can you wait two months longer? on the 30th of May you can draw $_______ You
will have to draw all you lent father and may be in debt How is my boy Fred?
does he say papa? Have you heard from your mother or father? You see this is
not meant for preservation but I took a spare moment knowing that you would be
glad to hear from me anytime I am ----- ----- ------- Sumner
Virginia, Virginia, Virginia, I love you
(at top of page)
Have you hung your picture, do you like
it?
I am going to add a word to this, and
unless we remain longer than tomorrow shall not write any more because I
cannot think, there is so much excitement dependent upon going to sea. I love
you dearly and while I am going down the river will set down quietly and write
to you and the pilot will take it off you will write soon
As though I now heard from you All the letters will be sent to me from the
Yard as they will know where we are
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HARVEST
MOON HISTORICAL SOCIETY
March 2006
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