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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 [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 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

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 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 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 [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

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 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 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

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 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 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 Mary "Mollie" McLean

He wrote to his uncle about Charley's horse. He has since recovered from his illness and feels great. Mrs. Bird and Nellie stopped by and they had a nice visit.

GLC02161.076

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 mother

He is afraid he will never get his his back pay. Though if he gets mustered back to the 24th of January he'll get six months pay. This will be a big help to the entire family.

GLC02161.088

to father

He is finally to be mustered for his back pay He acknowledges all Al Wheeler is doing for him by offering him lieutenancy in his battery. He wishes Uncle S.P would offer him a commission in the regular army.

GLC02161.098

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

to mother

He was assigned to the 10th army corps. He asks if a fellow lieutenant's body was received by the military.

GLC02161.123

to Mary "Mollie" McLean

Written "in the field." The "Johnnies" have been skirmishing with their infantry and artillery. They have a strong position. They have three regiments of colored troops but they have not been let in yet.

GLC02161.127

to Harriet W. Dewey

He is very healthy and there is no sickness in the army. They are all full of fight for the campaign that will decide whether this "nation is one or two."

GLC02161.132

[1864 diary]

In April, he notes that he does not like working under Butler which corresponds to one of his letters. In May he describes some very animated fighting occurring near their pickets. Later on the 28th he gives details of Henry's (a fellow soldier)...

GLC02161.146

to John R. Sherman

He has enclosed the bill against his mother's estate. It includes all fees and monies he advanced in defending suits against the stockholders of the First National Bank.

GLC02161.169

[Photograph of William E. Brewster]

William H. Brewster in military dress, seated.

GLC02161.172