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to unknown

Dated 20 March. He wants to return to Charleston and desperately wants to see her and Pauline. He especially wants to see her before she gets married. He mentions George and Hill.

GLC02161.175

to her sister

Dated 27 March. She describes Albany. She says it is old and foggy, too old for a yankee. Though she formed a very good opinion of the people. She describes a waterfall

GLC02161.178

to Ida Frances

"Please comply with his wishes expressed in the enclosed." Actual letter missing.

GLC02161.182

to Mary "Mollie" Dewey

He encloses two pictures (not included here).Cassie is still at Elmira.

GLC02161.185

[Barrack floor plan]

This is a detailed description of the barracks including measurements. On the back, there is a floor plan.

GLC02161.188

to Angeline M. Bennett

Dated 26 December. He describes his dinner. He asks what regiment her brother is in because he wants to write him.

GLC02161.180

[Envelope addressed to Mary E. McLean]

Dated 21 March.

GLC02161.176

[Envelope addressed to Mary E. McLean]

Dated 3 July.

GLC02161.179

to Mary "Mollie" Dewey

She wants Mollie to come see her in June or else she will come see her. She reminds her that she used to say she liked her as well as one of own children.

GLC02161.183

to Mary "Mollie" Dewey

Note on verso: from Tom He writes her health must be improving. One night he missed the Buffalo train and had to drive the rest of the way. Very illegible in places. Says something about an skeleton and a scythe.

GLC02161.186

[Geneology of Dewey Family]

Written on the back of a printed Report from the War Department dated 25 June from Buffalo, New York.

GLC02161.189

to his brother

He talks about a mischievous cow. Since there are no good schools around, his mother is sending him to boarding school.

GLC02161.001

[Envelope addressed to Mary E. McLean]

Dated 13 March.

GLC02161.174

[Envelope addressed to Carrie Wadlington]

Dated 24 March.

GLC02161.177

to his sister

Ida's eye is better. Dr. Martin had a boy. He played euchre on wednesday and friday night.

GLC02161.181

to his mother

He writes he is homesick without her. He read to grandma twice.

GLC02161.184

[Geneology of Dewey Family]

The beginnings of a family tree. Beginning with their father and then grandfather and his children and their children. The author talks about his own memories from when he was 10 years old. he goes on to talk about his mother's family.

GLC02161.187

[Geneology of Dewey Family]

Beginning with Thomas Dewey who came to Massachusetts in 1633, the manuscript covers a total of 6 generations of Deweys.

GLC02161.190

to Mrs. Dewey

He talks about his future marriage with Mary. He needs her support. Even though he has bad habits, Mary tends to indulge him. He asks Mrs. Dewey for best wishes.

GLC02161.002

[Mortgage sale of real estate of Norman R. & Harriet W. Dewey]

The Deweys' land is being foreclosed and sold at public auction.

GLC02161.003

[Warranty deed with Seth Clark]

Land agreement between Squire P. Dewey and Seth Blank. The land passes from Dewey to Blank.

GLC02161.005

[Grant of power of attorney to Norman R. Dewey]

Document grants power of attorney to Norman R. Dewey. He can now make all decisions about the piece real estate in Lancaster.

GLC02161.004

to Mary "Mollie" McLean

He will miss Hattie who has sadly departed. He regrets all the unkind things he said to her. Meanwhile they have been building nice quarters for themselves. He describes the interior of their tents.

GLC02161.009

to Harriet W. Dewey

Mark hasn't arrived in Washington yet, but his baggage arrived. He is off to visit Col. Alberge and doesn't have time to write. Written at Camp Rogers.

GLC02161.011

to Mary "Mollie" McLean

He was promoted to first lieutenancy and is trying to arrange for her and the children to come visit him. He expects their destination to be Harper's Ferry or Richmond.

GLC02161.007

to Norman R. Dewey

He got to occupy the outpost, a dangerous position. But he liked it. He received the box filled with raspberry jam, a handkerchief and towels. Written at Camp Rogers.

GLC02161.010

[Collection of Orville S. Dewey, 33rd regiment, New York, light artillery] [decimalized]

Nicknamed "Tom" by his family and coming from Buffalo, Dewey served in the army of the Potomac, primarily in Washington at an instructional camp. Many of the letters are addressed to his sister Mary "Mollie" McLean. Dewey stayed in the Army after the...

GLC02161

to Mary "Mollie" McLean

They heard that Gen. Johnson was going to attack them with 20,000 men. They met them with 15,000 men. He describes some skirmishes. Later his promotion meant he was moved to B company.

GLC02161.008

to Mary "Mollie" McLean

He sends a picture of Neil Wheeler and tells her to get an album for the different pictures he has sent. He will leave for New Orleans shortly.

GLC02161.006

to [Norman R. Dewey]

The Rebels attacked the night before and he describes how the sky lit up because of the flash of the artillery. His theory as to why is that the attack drew their gunboats out, thus allowing the Rebels to follow them.

GLC02161.042

[Photograph of William E. Brewster]

William H. Brewster in military dress, seated.

GLC02161.172

to Mary "Mollie" McLean

He is not that discouraged by the fact that they did not advance and take Richmond. He is just happy to see the James River and be alive. He has confidence.

GLC02161.045

to Harriet W. Dewey

Mollie has a touch of dysentary. He talks about how he spent his holidays. The prospect of a fight is good and he is looking forward to it. Written at Camp Niagara

GLC02161.013

to his mother

Everyone is happy about the "drafting order." He knows Lincoln wants to end the war. He has not received any boxes yet. He wants a position in one of the conscript regiments.

GLC02161.048

to Mary "Mollie" McLean

Will is in the hospital and he is hoping he can get a leave because he will need lots of home care if he is to be fit for duty again. They leave for Newport News tonight. He is afraid the new movement will break the army up.

GLC02161.051

to Mary "Mollie" McLean

Last night they crossed the Rappahannock, marched through Fredricksburg and camped. He talks about how the Rebels treat their dead horses and mules. Fredricksburg is described as a filthy place.

GLC02161.021

to his father

He is upset because he received a package from Adams Express in which everything was rotten. But he was able to salvage a few things.

GLC02161.054

to [Harriet W. Dewey]

He has been receiving compliments on his work. They are camped on the battlefield and as he writes the Rebels are throwing shells into their camp.

GLC02161.025

to mother

They have since passed through several cities and escaped the warm fire of artillery. There has been heavy firing in the direction of Harper's Ferry though he hears their side has surrendered at Harper's Ferry.

GLC02161.057

to Mary "Mollie" McLean

There was a cavalry fight described as one of the fiercest. Will was wounded. 31 were killed. Written in Camp Lincoln

GLC02161.028

to Mary "Mollie" McLean

They were reviewed by Lincoln on the third. Unfortunately, they've had to wear the same clothes since before Richmond. There is much description concerning their raggedy clothes.

GLC02161.060

to Norman R. Dewey

Not only is will a prisioner, but so is the asst. surgeon, so he won't lack for proper medical care. Charles Bidwell had to resign because of poor health. Written in Camp Lincoln

GLC02161.031

to sister

He does not like how she phrased his current activities. She said he was 'on the retreat' which sounds like he ran away. He mentions the recent raid in Pennsylvania. He doesn't agree with the general's decisions there.

GLC02161.063

to [Harriet W. Dewey]

He is glad his promotion has made them happy. He worries about them and the work they do. He thinks it is breaking them down.

GLC02161.023

to Mary "Mollie" McLean

If anything bad happens, he has arranged it so that she will hear it in a telegram first and not in the paper. He got paid and is sending money home.

GLC02161.034

to father

McClellan is gone now. He rather liked him and feels that the new commander, Burnside, may only do better because he is luckier. They may or may not have a heavy battle soon.

GLC02161.066

to Mary "Mollie" McLean

He requests photos of mother and father. He is also enclosing a sketch from an illustrated newspaper depicting the cavalry battle that Will fought in. Not included here.

GLC02161.037

Honorable discharge of O. S. Dewey

Officially gives Orville Dewey an honorable discharge from the military.

GLC02161.069

to Mary "Mollie" McLean

He has been working hard in the hot sun. He is looking forward to Will's release. She should go to Michigan to visit an uncle of theirs.

GLC02161.040

to Mary "Mollie" McLean

He is angry because it seems like everyone else has been home at least once if not twice already. He has also been there about five months longer as well.

GLC02161.043

to Mary "Mollie" McLean

There is a rumour going around that Will was released but it is not believed because he would have stopped by. The men signed a petition to keep him in their regiment.

GLC02161.046

to Norman R. Dewey

He has been very busy getting off Will's quarterly returns. Charley wrote that if he can enlist 20 or 25 men, he can have a 2nd lieutenancy.

GLC02161.014

to his mother

The paymaster still hasn't been around, but his health is good, though he has been fatter in the past. Written at Fort Pocahontas

GLC02161.049

to Mary "Mollie" McLean

One day he ran into a Doctor Coventry who persuaded him to stay with him. They went to a church now used as a hospital. He met Will in Alexandria.

GLC02161.018

to Mary "Mollie" McLean

There was a rumor that Smith's Division had been taken from the army of the Potomac and assigned to the central department. Four months ago they came to this same place with 780 men. Now they only have 400.

GLC02161.052

to [Norman R. Dewey]

He has just read his his commission. Col. Albergers' Regt. is at Williamsburg with McClellan.

GLC02161.022

to William McLean

He tells a story in which a lot of soldiers and cavalry were standing around and someone asked, 'Where's Gen. Pope?' And someone else answered: 'In his headquarters.' Upon asking where his headquarters were, the reply was: 'In his saddle.' Written in...

GLC02161.055

to [Norman R. Dewey]

Some new officers in his company wrote a scathing letter to the paper attacking him. The primary culprit is someone at a country paper. Capt. Alberger and Capt. Cluney recommended him for promotion.

GLC02161.026

to mother

He is very bitter towards the Buffalonians for their bias toward other regiments. It looks like many regiments will be consolidated since some have lost a considerable number of men. Some officers will be discharged and if he is one, he will not...

GLC02161.058

to Mary "Mollie" McLean

He heard that Will was captured at Old Church. He is not that worried and feels he will be released unharmed. He himself is doing well. Written in Camp Lincoln

GLC02161.029

to his father

He tells his sister not to worry because his health is first-rate and he always tells her the truth. He discusses his pick for gubernatorial honors.

GLC02161.061

to Mary "Mollie" McLean

He thinks McClellan could have cut his way through Richmond a month ago. But there would have been drawbacks. The North needs to come down to the South and just fight. But he thinks they are currently outnumbered.

GLC02161.032

to sister

He is glad Will got a promotion. He will be leaving the 49th and he is glad about that. A soldier named Hancock will have been court marshaled for several offenses.

GLC02161.064

to [Harriet W. Dewey]

Accomodations are not good. They have had no regular meals and anything good is very expensive. He asks her to send fruit and vegetables. There will be a general exchange of prisoners soon and he hopes Will will be among them.

GLC02161.035

to mother

He thanks her for the package she sent. He has rheumatism in his hip, he thinks. Their lieutenant resigned on account of sickness. Written at the Stafford Courthouse.

GLC02161.067

to [Norman R. Dewey]

He wants his father to stop working so hard. He should be as comfortable as possible. He warns his father it may be a year before he can visit him.

GLC02161.038

to Orville "Tom" S. Dewey

He speculates on when the war will end, at one point saying that some think not until the Southern race is exterminated. He asks how he has coped with the change in command, adding that he always like McClellan.

GLC02161.070

to Mary "Mollie" McLean

He admonishes her for worrying too much about everything. He says she is too imaginative and envisions the worst about everything.

GLC02161.041

to [Norman R. Dewey]

Lt. Hunt says the paymaster is coming soon. His father says he shouldn't live without too many comforts. He says he doesn't need many.

GLC02161.044

to Mary "Mollie" McLean

Harry is ill with pneumonia. He worries about Harry because he has a slight build and doesn't think he'll be able to endure this "rough world."

GLC02161.012

to his sister

He is afraid he raised her hopes by talking of Will's probable release. Meanwhile, Capt. Albergen is trying to see if he can get him a furlough. He encloses a sketch of his quarters, not included here.

GLC02161.047

to Mary "Mollie" McLean

He has been marching for four days. They have been on their way to Yorktown. But he was so tired he decided to go to Fort Monroe via a steamer. He has no idea what the army's final destination is.

GLC02161.050

to Mary "Mollie" McLean

They are advancing with an army of 100,000 men. He expects their there to be a "dreadful battle in a day or so". He applied to be on Gen. Smith's staff. There will be terrible slaughter sioon.Written at Fort Monroe

GLC02161.020

to Mary "Mollie" McLean

They arrived in Bull Run only to find out they had been whipped. He lists the names of the officers that were wounded. He had a letter written to her which he tore up, for fear the Rebels would get it if he were wounded or killed.

GLC02161.053

to Mary "Mollie" McLean

GLC02161.024

to Mary "Mollie" McLean

They are between the enemy and the river. Marching is very rough. The skin on his heels came off and he had to march the entire way in that condition.

GLC02161.056

to Mary "Mollie" McLean

He got a letter from Will who has picket duty. Their sharpshooters killed or wounded every gunner that attempted to use their artillery. There will be no more picketing on their end.

GLC02161.027

to mother

Charley will be a lieutenant in a battery. He read in the paper that the government will allow three years men to fill up the 21st. But if he thinks they would stay any longer than that he is stupid. Even Gen. McClellan thinks they were held...

GLC02161.059

to Mary "Mollie" McLean

Her husband informs her he has been taken prisoner. He assures her, however, that he is very comfortable.

GLC02161.030

to mother

No one is getting paid. Some of the men have no clothes and few tents. He assures his sister he will send some money the moment he is paid.

GLC02161.062

to Mary "Mollie" McLean

He prefers hand to hand combat instead of getting shelled. He also thinks Will must be a full fledged captain by now.

GLC02161.033

to father

He thinks they will go to Virginia tomorrow where everything is destroyed. They may have big fight soon. McClellan tries to avoid fights, apparently. He afraid of harming his reputation, should they lose.

GLC02161.065

to Mary "Mollie" McLean

He has news about her husband. His wounds have all healed and he has been moved to the officers' prison. He will most likely be among the first of those exchanged.

GLC02161.036

to mother

Mollie writes that Tom resigned and is coming home, though he wanted to keep it a surprise. She also writes that when Will comes, he will bring Fanny with him.

GLC02161.068

to Mary "Mollie" McLean

He sent money to father and told mother to send him some things. Capt. M.went down to Fort Monroe. It is hot and uncomfortable.

GLC02161.039

to Mary "Mollie" McLean

He was worried for Mollie since he hadn't heard from her in a while. But she was fine. He predicts Major Whittany will go far in his profession. He likes him a lot. Written at Camp Niagara

GLC02161.015

to his aunt

He is camped near Washington and he is very interested in the town. He wants to get a pass and explore. He imagines a time when the great rebellion will end and the troops will go marching back to whoever is home.

GLC02161.016

to [Norman R. Dewey]

Wednesday they marched through Centerville. Centerville has the strongest position the Rebels ever had. He has been to Manassas and Bull's Run.

GLC02161.017

to Mary "Mollie" McLean

He met Norman Macneal in Alexandria when he got off the Washington boat. He has sent money to Father for her. He is sorry she is so disatisfied at home. He knew their living together would one day end and that Mollie could not follow him into enemy...

GLC02161.019

to sister

He mentions the apathy and the copperheads amongst the North. He says the Southerners are a remorseless people who are willing to win or die. Recently they had a grand review by Gen. Barry.

GLC02161.084

to mother

He has enclosed his photograph. (Not included here.) Will and George gave Mrs. Forbes (the woman they boarded with) a silver urn.

GLC02161.075

to sister

He arrived Friday morning and everyone was glad to see him. He is hard at work now and will remain so until the middle of December.

GLC02161.100

to Mary "Mollie" McLean

He says he'd rather shoot copperheads than Southerners because copperheads are disgracing the North. They are in Philadelphia and he thinks Philadelphians are the friendliest people.

GLC02161.087

to father

He describes life in his new battery. But he still asks if his uncle can get him an army appointment. He wants to join an artillery unit.

GLC02161.103

to sister

They marched from Philadephia to Reading. He heard from Mooney who heard from her. He thinks there might be trouble in this section of the country among the miners who want to resist the draft.

GLC02161.090

to Mary "Mollie" McLean

He was appointed Post-Adjutant in the morning. He did not like having to leave the battery.

GLC02161.106

to sister

Aunt Kitty is having her teeth extracted. He would rather take a bullet that have someone take his teeth. The ladies of Pottsville provided a slendid dinner for their battery.

GLC02161.093

to mother

Mr. Page came to see him yesterday. He took him to a grand artillery review. He is looking forward to carving the turkey tomorrow.

GLC02161.109

to sister

He got a promotion as 1st lieutenant. He now has a better chance of getting his back pay as 2nd lieutenant. If so, he can come home for a week. He may have to put off his wedding for some time.

GLC02161.096

to Mary "Mollie" McLean

The mustering officer has not shown up yet. As soon as he comes, he can start for New York. He heard that head quarters approves of his new appointment.

GLC02161.099