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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

 

 

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HARVEST MOON HISTORICAL SOCIETY

March 2006

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