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ASHAEL SUMNER DEAN

 CIVIL WAR LETTERS TO HIS FAMILY

 

 

 

Navy Yard, Washington  April 15th 1864

(special note: this paper was imprinted with Platner & Smith, also, embossing of the Capitol in the upper l/h corner. Blue lined w/wire marks)

 

Dear dear wife,

 

  Your welcome letter came to me this morning.  How happy it made me.  I like to get them often.  I had sooner have a sheet in two than two sheets in one because I have the pleasure of opening them twice.  I went to the Capt. early this morning about the books.  He said he would be very glad to have them - (this ends the front page of an 8-1/2 x 11 size sheet-ed.)

'back of sheet"

. . . read and before then I will send you a catalogue of them so you can send something different.  Now we are provided for so you see how much good your suggestion has done.  Had you not said anything about it the books would have been under a pile of old mattrasses where I found them so you have accomplished $10 worth.  Now we shall not need any until we are south.  I have not looked at them for I have to finish this before the mail leaves so you can get it Sat. eve.  But I think they are just the right thing.  When I wrote to you yesterday I was sick for two days ( this ends the back-ed.)

 

 

(The following was written perpendicular to the writing in the front/opening of this letter.  He often did this to finish a letter and not use another sheet!)

  Mother has rec'd my letter.  You will tell me if I overlook any particular one.  I have most forgot the order.  I think I owe letters only to A. & Louise.  Tell my little Nellie to be a good little girl and when Fred has a dirty face to wash it.  Say to her that papa sends his love and kisses to her and Fred.  Tell her to give Fred a kiss for me.  Dear wife, I never can repay you for your constancy and love.  You are a dear, dear wife.  God bless you and keep you, all of you.

                                                                                                                                Your own

                                                                                                                                affectionate

                                                                                                                                Sumner

 

 

 

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HARVEST MOON HISTORICAL SOCIETY

March 2006

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