DECEMBER 1862 UNION SOLDIER LETTER—BREVET BRIGADIER GENERAL ISAAC DYER, 15TH MAINE INFANTRY

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Item Code: 1097-180

The letter below is one of a series of 27 letters written by Colonel Dyer to his wife between August 31, 1862 and August 11, 1865.

A resident of Skowegan, ME, 42 year-old Captain Isaac Dyer was placed in command of the 15th Maine in August 1862 and received his appointment to replace Colonel Worder in September--his appointment to Lt. Colonel (and eventually Colonel) being made official, Dec. 12, 1862. He then commanded the unit through the remainder of the war, and received a Brigadier’s Brevet for meritorious service, March 13, 1865. Resigning from service, Sept. 13, 1865, he returned to Skowegan, lived to age 92 and was buried there in 1913. His 15th Maine served in Louisiana & Florida, participating the 1864 Red river Campaign, and later in Virginia, and was present at the Bermuda One Hundred. During service is lost 5 killed and mortally wounded and 343 by disease for a total of 348.

Isaac Dyer was a well-educated, highly articulate correspondent and a shrewd observer of men and events. In this letter—[Dated “Pensacola Fla Dec 12. 1862”—3 pp. in ink on lined paper, 9.75 x7.5”—Exhibiting fold-marks, else VG plus.]—Dyer writes concerning the loss of a family friend and the effects of war. Excerpts as follow:

“…Mrs. Williams must feel badly but alas how many hearts bleed on account of friends lost by this most unnatural war. Wives mourning for husbands, children for parents, sisters for brothers, poor lonely mothers for an only son on whom all her hopes depended for aid in her declining years. Oh, but it is terrible to think of.

And then minor affairs such as the loss of property, desolations of homes, houses stripped of everything, fences torn down and burned, cattle killed to sustain the Army, manufacturing establishments burned, mills burned, dwelling burned, rail roads torn up, locomotives destroyed, vessels burned, wharves burned, merchandise burned or destroyed, bridges burned, and all sorts of mischief that can be conceived and committed. Such are some of the effects of war.

And then again the corruption of the morals of young men. Drunkards, libertines, robbers, gamblers are to be found at every corner and a strong and mighty influence for evil in many of those who ought to be patterns of everything that is required for a gentlemen.

But alas Shoulder Straps will not make a gentleman of one that was not a gentleman before. Strange that human nature cannot be improved after all the beacons that have been hung out for the benefit and guidance of those who should thereafter come on to the stage of life. Oh what an amount of patience , wisdom, firmness and perseverance necessary to carry safely through this world.

I am not writing this because I am having trouble. On the contrary everything is prospering finely. We have some very fine men for officers and some rather hard tickets. I have to assert my authority sometimes but as a whole we get along finely. I look after the promotions somewhat so as to keep the ship steady…There are a great many things to look after and wrongs to correct. Soldiers have complaints to make. No shoes, no shirts, no pantaloons, Sick, lame, tired, blind, lazy, ugly, dirty, abused, cheated out of their rations, etc., etc.

But I manage to hold my temper pretty well and there is not much loud grumbling. So, don’t borrow any trouble about me. If I succeed give the good Lord the praise. If I fail thank him for the many blessings we have enjoyed and pray that all my losses and crosses may be the means of fitting me for a better home above.

Love to all. The darling boy remember. Love to you. Isaac.”

Excellent collectible. Superb letter from Colonel Dyer of the 15th Maine. In protective sleeve.   [JP] [ph:L]

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