1861-1902

Dewey, Orville S., fl. 1861-1902

Header Record

Title: [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 war and died of yellow fever in New Orleans during an epidemic only 5 months after re-enlisting in 1867. The collection includes mention of the Petersburg campaign (1864), and includes a carte de visite (unsigned) of Colonel J.P. Gould, who led the 54th Mass. (Colored) Regt., and of his commander William Brewster. Partial inventory available…

GLC02161

15 November 1863

Dewey, Orville S., fl. 1861-1902

Autograph letter signed

Title: 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

19 November 1863

Dewey, Orville S., fl. 1861-1902

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Mary "Mollie" McLean

He has not yet seen Tom McCabe but is watching closely for his arrival. He is Cassie's brother and may decide he is unworthy of her.

GLC02161.101

22 November 1863

Dewey, Orville S., fl. 1861-1902

Autograph letter signed

Title: to sister

He saw Tom McCabe and liked him very much. The interview went very well. He was merely concerned for his sister's welfare. He asks if she has framed the group picture he sent yet.

GLC02161.102

27 November 1863

Dewey, Orville S., fl. 1861-1902

Autograph letter signed

Title: 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

12 December 1863

Dewey, Orville S., fl. 1861-1902

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Mary "Mollie" McLean

He asks her for pillows, sheets and a quilt for Christmas.

GLC02161.104

13 December 1863

Dewey, Orville S., fl. 1861-1902

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Mary "Mollie" McLean

He says the captain and the other officers are very down to earth and do put on airs. They sleep with him and he kicks them out of bed in the morning. They are a family.

GLC02161.105

18 December 1863

Dewey, Orville S., fl. 1861-1902

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Mary "Mollie" McLean

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

GLC02161.106

December 1863

Dewey, Orville S., fl. 1861-1902

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Mary "Mollie" McLean

He wants her to come visit, especially since Cassie will probably come in the winter.

GLC02161.107

23 December 1863

Dewey, Orville S., fl. 1861-1902

Autograph letter signed

Title: to sister

He received a letter from Tom McCabe giving him permission to carry off his sister. They have a grand review coming up.

GLC02161.108

24 December 1863

Dewey, Orville S., fl. 1861-1902

Autograph letter signed

Title: 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

1 November 1863

Dewey, Orville S., fl. 1861-1902

Autograph letter signed

Title: 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

February 23, 1863

Dewey, Orville S., fl. 1861-1902

Autograph letter signed

Title: to mother

He asks her to send some flannel shirts and socks. Soon he will go to Washington and get paid and he will be able to fix things financially.

GLC02161.074

12 April 1863

Dewey, Orville S., fl. 1861-1902

Autograph letter signed

Title: 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

13 April 1863

Dewey, Orville S., fl. 1861-1902

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Norman R. Dewey

Partially printed. He informs his father of William's death.

GLC02161.078

15 April 1863

Dewey, Orville S., fl. 1861-1902

Autograph letter signed

Title: to sister

He assures her he will see her as soon as possible and offers condolences.

GLC02161.079

21 May 1863

Dewey, Orville S., fl. 1861-1902

Autograph letter signed

Title: 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

26 May 1863

Dewey, Orville S., fl. 1861-1902

Autograph letter signed

Title: 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

13 June 1863

Dewey, Orville S., fl. 1861-1902

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Mary "Mollie" McLean

Capt. Cornfield has died, charging at the head of his command. Unfortunaetely he was unable to pay his respects.

GLC02161.083

21 June 1863

Dewey, Orville S., fl. 1861-1902

Autograph letter signed

Title: 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

5 July 1863

Dewey, Orville S., fl. 1861-1902

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Mary "Mollie" McLean

He mentions the irony of celebrating Independence Day when they are no longer a unified country. They are having bad luck with officers and cannot afford to lose any more. He saw Henry Hale.

GLC02161.085

8 July 1863

Dewey, Orville S., fl. 1861-1902

Autograph letter signed

Title: 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

January 16,1863

Dewey, Orville S., fl. 1861-1902

Autograph letter signed

Title: to father

He has been appointed 2nd lieutenant of Capt. Eaton's battery. He has decided to accept it.

GLC02161.071

January 18, 1863

Dewey, Orville S., fl. 1861-1902

Autograph letter signed

Title: to mother

He will be unable to visit this week. His new appointment will make him very busy.

GLC02161.072

January 21, 1863

Dewey, Orville S., fl. 1861-1902

Autograph letter signed

Title: to father

He thanks his father for the $100 loan. From now on his pay will be $129 per month, an amount they can all live comfortably together.

GLC02161.073