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to sister
February 4, 1864
Dewey, Orville S., fl. 1861-1902
He sent her $20. He apologizes for being neglectful. It is only because he has so many business letters to write.
GLC02161.113
to mother
March 17, 1864
He is sorry to hear of his mother's illness. He sent his citizen's suit home yesterday. He will have his hair cut soon.
GLC02161.115
March 27, 1864
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
March 30, 1864
He mentions several friends and acquaintances. One of the lieutenants is sick. Charley is in command of the 27th.
GLC02161.117
1 April 1864
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
12 April 1864
They are still there but expect to go to Annapolis where they will get on a ship. But he doesn't know where they will go after that.
GLC02161.119
17 April 1864
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
[orders for Orville S. Dewey]
20 April 1864
Hall, James, A., 1750-1819
Dewey is ordered to Washington on guard patrol.
GLC02161.121
22 April 1864
He shipped a trunk home yesterday. They will march today or tomorrow to Fort Monroe.
GLC02161.122
to Harriet W. Dewey
12 July 1864
He thinks the "Head of the Nation" is frightened by the raid into Maryland and want to protect Washington. He would like to hear that the Johnnies are burning Buffalo.
GLC02161.134
25 April 1864
He was assigned to the 10th army corps. He asks if a fellow lieutenant's body was received by the military.
GLC02161.123
1 May 1864
He is in desperate need of money. He only has $15.35. He has no money to give them and asks if she knows anyone who will loan them $100 or $150.
GLC02161.124
8 May 1864
They shipped from Gloucester Point and are now in Bermuda Hundreds. There were heavy skirmishes but they are all in good sprits and feel they will have Richmond soon.
GLC02161.125
to Norman R. Dewey
14 May 1864
A dispatch from Grant came saying he had taken Johnson's whole division. One of the batteries from Camp Barry was lost but then retaken by the 13th division. He is afraid Charley will have a hand in the fighting.
GLC02161.126
to Mary "Mollie" McLean
20 May 1864
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
22 May 1864
Written "in the field." He read of Henry's death in the papers after he thought he had escaped unharmed. They may lose their guns. He is sick of the expedition.
GLC02161.128
28 May 1864
Yesterday the whole command except for one division was ordered to embark to reinforce Grant. Gen. Lee assumes he will save Richmond. No one really likes Butler, the commanding officer.
GLC02161.129
3 June 1864
The infantry has been behaving badly. At a seven infantry engagement with the "Johns", the men got inside the mark as soon as possible. In other words, they ran at the first fire.
GLC02161.130
11 June 1864
He has enclosed the key to his trunk. He gives instructions on what to do with the items inside.
GLC02161.131
19 June 1864
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
4 July 1864
He feels sorry for Burns. All the old officers are gone from the old 5th. The new ones are strangers. The captain of his old company has been dismissed.
GLC02161.133
20 July 1864
The 19th corps from N. Orleans have been pressing up the river for the last couple of days. If Sherman gets Atlantis, they should have some real fighting ahead of them.
GLC02161.135
31 July 1864
It is very hot and he is writing on cheap paper. The 9th corps made a bad name for themselves and ruined their reputation and position but he doesn't elaborate.
GLC02161.136
15 August 1864
He is concerned that if the chances aren't good enough in Buffalo, he will have to go somewhere else. Written at Fort Pocahontas
GLC02161.137
21 August 1864
He tells her to have a badge made for him. He gives explicit instructions. Written at Fort Pocahontas
GLC02161.138
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