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ASHAEL SUMNER DEAN
CIVIL WAR LETTERS TO
HIS FAMILY
Navy Yard Washington April 3rd 1864
Dear Virginia,
What shall I write about now that will
please. You already have one more letter from me than you have answered and I
am certain that all wifey wanted to know is therein answered. You don't know
where I am today. You think we have sailed for Ft. Monroe. Do you like to
have your Sumner all about whither and thither and you not be consulted in the
matter? Ah! but you gave your boy away, he isn't your own now, you let Uncle
Samuel have him - never mind he takes good care of us all and gives me very
many privileges and also withholds many more e.g. he won't let me go and see
the little wife who was so foolish as to give me away. At least I can do many
things for ourselves. For instance, I caused the Captain to order the
Paymaster to do and buy a generous supply of fresh meat and vegetables for the
men forward who had not had any since it gave out a month ago and yesterday I
went to the master Joiner and required for a large bathing tub which I knew he
had. T'was made for Commodore Parker. I then went to the Captain for a room
and permission and then went for the plumbers to make it connect with the tank
and with the bilge. So now we have as good a bathroom as there is in
anybody's house! I also have the privilege of reporting and of having
remedied any want of cleanliness on the ship. I have not told you that the C.
gave me leave to have a writing and study table in my office. I have one
under the little window in the back part of the dispensary where I now sit
writing to you. It is of black walnut and has shelves to hold all my books,
paper, letters, etc. and a desk lets down which is covered with green cloth.
I have also a nice black walnut bureau under the berth in which I keep liquor,
instruments, etc. I have a door between the two rooms so that I have a very
nice quiet place all to myself. I have a black nurse shipped for my use who
does the work and the steward looks after me. I am more comfortably
circumstantial than I could be at home. All but one thing it is not home and
ever quickly I would give it all up for home. I have not been brought up to
being waited on and I am as apt as any way to be dusting the floor when there
are two near me for the purpose. I came in to the service too late to
(ed.- unable to find end of this letter.
Surgeon Deane wrote on various pieces of paper, as, I conjecture, he could
come up with them)
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