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Collection of Nicholas A. Dederer, E company, 114th regiment, New York, infantry [Decimalized .01-.12]

Letters written as Captain and Quartermaster. By end of his letters, Dederer was Provost Marshall. Rathbone seems to have been his son-in-law. The letters discuss Louisiana and New Orleans. There is much talk of arresting deserters. Brief mention...

GLC04703

to Peter B. Rathbone

The regiment's journey from Elmira to Baltimore by rail. Their march through the city, his wish for "the shoulder straps of a captain instead of a Lieut[ant's]."

GLC04703.01

to Peter B. Rathbone

Continued on 24 November and 25 November. Written on board Transport Thames near Fortress Monroe. The ship carried General Emory's Brigade. Provides instructions for dispensing money he sent home. Describes attending "Divine Worship" on the ship...

GLC04703.02

to Peter B. Rathbone

Says that he is disturbed by the news that the family has not received any of his letters. Expresses joy at the arrest of one deserter from his unit and wonders why another has not been arrested as well. Scolds his family for publishing his letters...

GLC04703.03

to Peter B. Rathbone

Continued 1 February and 2 February. Due to a measles outbreak, three companies are being detained on another ship further up the river. On his ship many are sick with fever. Describes Southern plantation houses, arrival and setting up at their new...

GLC04703.04

to Peter B. Rathbone

Continued 21 February. Receives photographs of his family and comments on their "over sanctimonious countenances." Lists some of his duties including distributing clothing to contrabands, and attending to the complaint of a Negro who was shot by an...

GLC04703.05

to Peter B. Rathbone

Admits that he feels a little down, complains about the draft and is upset by the idea that so many men are succumbing to illness, never having a chance to fight in battle. Speculates that the regiment will be sent to Texas once Vicksburg...

GLC04703.06

to Peter B. Rathbone

His leg and ankle are swollen. The regiments receives orders to be ready to march at a moments notice with a blanket, change of clothes and a few days rations. Held together by two contemporary postage stamps.

GLC04703.07

to Peter B. Rathbone

His regiment and another are assigned to drive cattle, horses, mules and sheep; an assignment he finds disgraceful. Dederer suggests that the commanding officers committed a number of mistakes in battle [possibly the Battle of Port Hudson 6/11/1863]...

GLC04703.08

to Peter B. Rathbone

He is in the hospital with jaundice. He had been sick for a week, but put off getting medical attention because he felt an engagement was immanent.

GLC04703.09

to Peter B. Rathbone

He is still in the hospital. Reassures his family that he is getting better. Acknowledges receipt of a package (the cheese was spoiled but he appreciated the brandy). General Banks orders Dederer and two other captains to report for duty or tender...

GLC04703.10

to Peter B. Rathbone

Writing from the Marine Hospital, Dederer, with the New York Volunteer Regiment notes the success of Grant at Vicksburg. His opinion of pardoning rebel soldiers: "Gen'l Butler is the damned'st Scoundrel in the whole Federal Army, but it needs such...

GLC04703.11

to Peter B. Rathbone

"A man in charge of a gang of Negroes at work on the Levee Shot a Negro and then came over here to deliver himself up to me . . . . [T]he only offense of the Negro was that he refused to work . . . ." Also writes that sugar season is coming to an...

GLC04703.12