ASHAEL SUMNER DEAN
CIVIL WAR LETTERS TO
HIS FAMILY
Port Royal Sept 21 1864
My Dear Wife,
Your long and best of letters came today
: How nervous and anxious I have been since the mail steamer FULTON came in.
I could hardly wait for the mail to be assorted for I knew I should hear from
you and I was anxious about the money too now it is all received. Before I
forget, she the FULTON, will return and sail from New York Oct 4 and a mail
leaves once in 8 days 4, 12, 20th, etc and there will be an additional mail by
the MASSACHUSETTS Oct 8th & Oct 29th.
You cannot know what a treat it was to
get your letters all dated so I could place you in the right place. Always do
so and write them as neatly. You will have received my letter telling you
about the money so I will not say more about it, only you had better pay F.
$50 as soon as you see you will have enough. You will receive $75 Oct 31 or
Nov 1 and I shall put you in some letters or send you a small draft. I shall
have half a month pay due at the end of the month.
You will not be able to pay him $50 for
you must buy the ton of coal $18. I do not think it can be much cheaper so
much is needed by Gov't and your cloak will cost considerable. Can you use
the braid on the old one or is it not in style? You will do right.
I trust you all. Will Mother, Annie &
Louise buy them too? Tell me when you get it how you have it trimmed. You
did not tell me wh.(where) your Mother took her
-SECTION TORN OUT-
... You will get the cloak. I want you
to and all you can not wait for you must buy, but do not forestall for I do
not think goods can be higher. Gold is going down so rapidly other things
must also. You must keep money enough so as to pay cash to Ryder at the
grocery stores. It may be more convenient to pay once in a while. You can do
as you like and so as to see what you have and what you pay for keep an
account of all money received and all paid out and to whom. It will be good
discipline for you.
The notes in question are not worth any
premium here although none are issued by the Fleet Pay'r now you can keep them
if you
-SECTION TORN
OUT_
...I wish I could...
Half a doz as I am ..... way. We cannot
call on Mrs, B. I hope Alfred has a wife that will suit him. He is a curious
man. Fred I expect is a pretty boy. You do not know how much I love him or
how much I want to see him. He will be a ......I think and will have a fine
disposition. I hope he may and believe he will. You may be certain my
prayers are most fully answered in that you all are so well and happy. God
is very good to us and I think I do realize it. I have much faith in him and
pray often but feebly for you all. I am a happy a rich man too, with such a
wife and such children You must teach them and make them God's .
I did not tell your F. about the
removal ........ . I will give you 2 weeks notice about the box Annies
picture was a beauty. Everyone says she is handsome and intellectual looking,
where is yours? I will kiss you
Ever your Sumner with much love
Next Letter
Return To
Index
HARVEST
MOON HISTORICAL SOCIETY
March 2006
all rights
reserved