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. and was buried there in 1913. His 15^th Maine served in Louisiana & Florida, participating in the Red River Campaign, and later in Virginia, and was present at the Bermuda Hundred. During service it lost 5 men killed and mortally wounded and 343 by disease for a total of 348.

Isaac Dyer was well-educated, highly articulate correspondent and a shrewd observer of men and events. In this letter—[Dated “New Orleans, Sept. 4, 1863--2 pp. in ink on lined paper, 9.75 x 7.75”—exhibiting fold-marks, else VG]—Dyer of the occupation of New Orleans by the Union 13^th Corps, and expresses his hopes that the war will be over by next spring. Excerpts as follows:

I have just returned from Carrollton from observing a review of the 13^th Army Corps (Gen. Grants) I assure you I its was big sight (There 47 regiments Infantry 13 batteries and a lot of cavalry, but this you must not mention as it is against regulations. Look out for big news in a few weeks. The 9^th Conn, 12^th, 13^th & 15^th ME and first Div, are to take charge of the City of New Orleans and suburbs.

So we shant see much fighting at present. Now while I am writing steamboats loaded with soldiers are pressing down by. This is also contraband).

I am in hopes we shall all be allowed to go home by next spring for it looks as though the rebels will be cleared out this fall.

Well we all want to see the end of this business for our New England has attractions superior to the sunny south. We love civilization to barbarism and the luxuries of the north are far superior to the South.

I have not time to write much now. I suppose you have seen Maj. Drew before this time. I have received the box of boots and box of pants …/ Love to all. Kiss albert.

Excellent collectible. Solid letter home from the admirable colonel of the 15^th Maine. [JP] [ph:L]

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