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[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" Dewey

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

GLC02161.185

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

to father

He gives him detail as to how William died. He says he cannot allow himself to mourn and thinks of his death as a warning.

GLC02161.077

to Mary "Mollie" McLean

Charley was detailed as adjutant which means he has more work now. The cavalry camp is gone and no one knows where. He sent his citizen clothes home.

GLC02161.081

to sister

He is discharging his duties as 2nd Lt. in the Buffalo Light Battery. He mentions John Mooney. Mrs. Bush is quite sick. He requests photographs.

GLC02161.082

to Mary "Mollie" McLean

He mentions Meade. Lee's chances of getting out of Maryland intact are not very good. However, everything seems to look good for them.

GLC02161.086

to mother

He has sent a sample of his hair. Sadly he had to have his mustache cut off. If Burnsides' expedition does well, all the New England batteries will go with him.

GLC02161.116

to mother

He has enclosed a soldier's tribute to the 1st corps. He was one of the original members. Cassie wrote that many people had returned home and that she will visit his mother this summer.

GLC02161.118

to father

He has sent photos for his album. They may stay where they are for 2 months. His uncle tells him his father has a new home on Clinton St.

GLC02161.120

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 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

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 [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

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 [Norman R. Dewey]

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

GLC02161.022

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 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 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 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 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

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 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 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