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ASHAEL SUMNER DEAN

 CIVIL WAR LETTERS TO HIS FAMILY

 

 

 

USS Harvest Moon  Sept 11, 1864  Port Royal

 

Dear Virginia,

    You can hardly know how dissapointed in not getting any paper or letter from you by this mail.  Henry wrote and he did not say but what you were well, indeed he said you had received my letters. A mail came on the 8th and again on the 10th but no letter from wifie!  One came from J. W. Hayward.  A nice one.  He wished to be remembered to you  He did not refer to Minnie.

  You want to know what I am doing and if I am quite well?   We are doing nothing as we are waiting the movement of the Admiral.  He will come on board in the evening and we shall go up to Charleston.  We will not remain long.  He comes on board now about once a week and stays a day or so just long enough to make a trip.

  The Pay'r came on board today, his vessel came in and he will join us for good in a day or two.  When he took me by the hand and said "Dr., how  you have grown"!  I was surprised for I had not noticed it, but upon having my attention called to it, I do think I am gaining flesh.  I am indeed in excellent health for which I am very, very thankful, and so are you.

  Mr. Wyatt is to be with us no longer.  He is detached and ordered to the T A WARD to take command of.  It is a schooner.

  I am not sorry.  I hope no more like him in a few particulars will come to us.  I do not look for one in his room soon.  Of course one will come in time

  The Captain has sent in his resignation.  I do hope it will be accepted for we shall not have a poorer man in exchange.

  These changes keep us in gossip and excitement and as we go about so much we are in possession of all the news and we do not get lonesome as those who lie on the blockade.  We may be out in bad weather for a few hours, but not long for we can make a harbor any where in the squadron in three hours and as we know them all.  We can run in case a blow comes on.   I think you can feel easy about me and leave me with God.  I shall not go to the FLAMBEAU as it's Doctor has made up his quarrel with the Captain.

  You feel anxious about the boy.  I do not think of anything additional for it keep it I may think of something.  Do you want some heavy linen? I sent you a sample once.  It is very nice, only it is heavy of course.  It is coarse somewhat, but would make excellent drawers, night clothes, etc.  The Pay'r sent 20 yards to his wife, price 59 cents per sqr yard.  If you can't use it economically I would not have it.  I may not be able to sent it

  Virginia, how long it has been since you laid your head on my breast or looked up into my eyes! You would know me, you would not feel shy.  I am your same Sumner.  My hair is very short, my beard on my cheeks only and quite long it has not been cut since you saw me.  I wear a low blue (He drew a little cap here-ed) cap and navy jacket and am quite a boy.  I have worn flannel underclothes since I have been down here.  Everyone does so you see hot weather is no excuse for allowing babies to go with nothing on because tis hot.  We would take our death of cold did we not wear flannel these hot days..With the ther (thermometer-ed) 95 in the shade day after day as a mean               I did when  I kissed you on (SECTION REMOVED-ed).

  . . . with his resemblance to Gen. Burnside".  He gave his reasons my head and forehead were like his.  Now you know Gen. Burnside is by every one to be the finest looking officer in the Corps of Generals: I am fine looking!

   You will think I am vain if I speak of myself more.  I do it to please you.  You can measure me for it.  You will try to think of me as your sailor boy.  I am one.  I am considered to be by the line officers (No small praise, as line officers tended to be VERY careful about who was good enough to be a Naval officer They felt they were the only ones good enough to be Regular Navy-ed) I can manage a sail boat and many other things, am quite a pilot and can tell the difference between a Brig and fore topsail schooner.  Dear, I must run and leave you.  I shall write to you again before the mail leaves or rather before the supply steamer returns.  Do tell me all about yourself, the babies and then about your folks etc.  I send you a paper or I will send it to Nellie.  Tell her papa sent it to her and don't let her forget me.  I don't know as it pays to send these little notes or the money.  Does she really care for them?  (MISSING SECTION-ed)

. . . you have my whole heart and love dear, and I long to...... you....... to 5th inst bring to us glorious news which indicate that I can be with you soon.  The Navy are not for McClellan.  We would soon stay here a year or two longer than see him Pres.. So say the Army "so say we all of us"!!  You are a dear girl, a beautiful and dear mother, a child wife and Sumner feels it all.  Good night dear God, bless you all

                                                                                                                                Sumner with love                  

 

 

 

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HARVEST MOON HISTORICAL SOCIETY

March 2006

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