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ASHAEL SUMNER DEAN

 CIVIL WAR LETTERS TO HIS FAMILY

 

 

 

Tybee Roads  June 2nd 1864

 

Dear Virginia,

  As I woke up this morning I heard Boy George say "Pay, the MASSACHUSETTS is coming in". I did not stir for I was not feeling well, but Pay went after meat, vegetables, etc. and do you think he bought anything for me?  He did! Your nice letter Dear, of the 24th, only a week from home.  I was glad enough to receive it and the Advertiser.  I read your letter and about 8 o'clock I got up.  I am quite well this afternoon and by tomorrow hope to be well "intirely".  I did feel badly two nights ago.  I was taken in the night.  Quite a number of us were afflicted, similarly.  A breeze from Dufaski[1](sic) brought off the malaria.  I think a thorough medication with quinine has put us all right.  I think with care we shall all do well.  I hope so[2]. I have no very sick men now.  A Brig is along side coaling us or rather we are coaling from her for she has a sick crew and it is very hard for our men to load some 100 tons of coal and the heat 90 degrees all the time.  I am afraid some of them will break down.  I am going to be more careful and mean not to go on deck after sunset.  The dew and hot are alike bad and the morning air is quite as bad, but I do not go into that.  There is nothing new.  A schooner ran out Friday night from here with cotton.  We did not see her.  We have positive knowledge that she ran.  We are very indignant to think the Senior officer in  command hereā€¦  LARGE PORTION OF THE LETTER REMOVED{Censored in the mail?ed.}

...poor girl you don't think you are sacrificing a good deal do you?  Yes a good deal, but dear if I come back to you your sacrifice will be infinitely less than that of any little wife who may have lost a husband as dear to her.   BACK SIDE OF MISSING SECTION... to pass examination he will feel pretty blue if he dont and I hardly know what he will do, but really I do not think he has a right to expect to pass for you know his study has been very limited.  I shall be anxious until I hear.  You will not forget to write me.  I have a letter written for home but it has not yet gone.Once again, no closing                 

 

[1] Daufuskie Island South Carolina, due north of Ft. Pulaski, in the mouth of the Savannah River, Tybee Roads-ed.

[2] Note that malaria is not associated with mosquitoes as yet, mid 19th century medicine was still learning-ed.

 

 

 

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