AUGUST 1863 UNION SOLDIER LETTER—BREVET BRIGADIER GENERAL ISAAC DYER, 15TH MAINE INFANTRY

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Item Code: 1097-187

The letter below is one of a series of 27 letters written by Colonel Dyer to his wife Lydia 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 in the 1864 Red River Campaign, and later in Virginia, and was present at the Bermuda Hundred. During service it lost 5 men killed and 342 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 “Carrollton [LA] Aug. 7 /63”—3 pp. in ink on line paper, 5” x 8—Exhibits fold-marks, else VG]—Dyer writes about the problem of his business partner at home being drafted, as follows:

“I received a letter from Geo. Cushing and Albert Dyer last evening. Geo. Is really drafted. Well he must get s substitute. I think a substitute is better than to pay the 300. But the law is differently interpreted by different persons.

Some say the $300 will protect one for 3 years., others not only that draft, some [say] a substitute will do for 3 years. George must keep the store running somehow until I get home.

Well Lydia these are stirring times, I see by the papers that there has been a naval engagement off Portland. When you get frightened and think Maine is going to be taken by the rebels you come out here and we will protect you. We consider this state one of the safest in the Union.

Albert is well but says he has to work hard. Thinks he shall go north next season. Says there is a great anxiety manifested on Cuba in relation to our success. The Cubans are for us. The Spaniards against us.

Tell Mother I am hale and hearty. Fat as a porpoise… Love to you and kiss Albert.”

Excellent collectible. Fine letter home from the Colonel of the 15th Maine in 1864 Louisiana. In protective sleeve.   [JP] [ph:L]

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