ASHAEL SUMNER DEAN
CIVIL WAR LETTERS TO
HIS FAMILY
Charleston Roads Sept 18th 1864
My own Dear Virginia,
Your welcome letter came yesterday, it
was hard to do without over one mail. I expect it was miscarried it may come
yet. The papers came up in a tug this morning and in two hours a mail will go
to New York. It is indeed a great blessing that we can communicate so often.
I am next to being with you can't you almost feel me. I think Henry will
hardly get into the service after all his trials if he has to wait six
months. I hope he will not find the service in need of him or any one. We
are much encouraged by all we hear K. Dunbar I always like She retrograted
marriage She is of course as (LETTER STOPS, BOTTOM OF PAGE TORN AWAY-ed)
I am sorry for little Fred. He
is......you will ......care Keep him in flannel let him wear a flannel band
about his bowels always. I expect he is a little man. It is a very great
denial not to see them grow and hear their young prattle. You can say Sumner,
I shall say Fred! I expect you do kiss him because he is your boy! He is very
like you I expect. Well, he has a good mother. Dear are you short of money?
You can't be now. You have received the $125. I am not going to plague you
anymore in this way. I have written to the Secretary of the Navy for
permission to allot $75 of my monthly pay for the support of my family and you
can get it in Boston in the way I spoke of when I first left home and then you
will have (LETTER STOPS, BOTTOM OF PAGE TORN AWAY-ed)
I think you would find Mrs. Doc.
Dickinson a very nice little woman, virtuous, modest, proud in a certain way
and entertaining so far as I have seen her such must be my opinion. I wrote
Jossie this week. He does not refer to Sherman in any way. Capt. Warren has
a leave of absence and goes North in the next steamer. It is a small chance
that he returns to us. We are to return to P.R.(Port Royal-ed) as soon as
this storm subsides and shall remain I think a week or so, we cannot tell.
Everything is quiet, no news, no fighting in view excepting this continued
artillery fight on Sumpter & Charleston. We don't mind it as much as
thunder. We start a fire in the city occasionally. One was burning
yesterday. More damage is intended to be done to buildings and fortifications
than to individuals.
You may buy me 2 or 3 doz. small buttons
and buckle or so for pants and pack them away in the box. I may want them
sometime.
You must tell me very much of your visit
to Boston and Lemiras visit to you.
Do people in the North think the war is
soon to close? We are anxious to see our wives and babies. You can not tell
what a passion it has become. Why Virginia, I have not seen you for 7 months
and I do feel like seeing you and know I used to put my cheek against yours
and tell you it was soft and do you know the place in your arm I like to
Kiss? You are my jewel. I do miss you. I do love you and hope I can see you
before a year or half a year.
You would never think this to be
Sunday. Our wardroom is full of business. Table covered with papers and
officers reporting to the Fleet Captain. Two vesssels are on a chase to day.
It will be short. I shall be glad for a quiet Sunday. I am not in a pleasant
frame of mind, these things have tried me. I hope only for a day, pray for
your Sumner. Your papers were opportune this afternoon it is very busy. I
must close my letter you will receive it soon I trust.
Give love to all, kiss the babies for
papa. I kissed you the last time 7 mos. ago and have not used my lips for
that purpose since. Send your photograph if you have one. Ever trust and
faithful God bless you all.
Sumner
Next Letter
Return To
Index
HARVEST
MOON HISTORICAL SOCIETY
March 2006
all rights
reserved