Editor’s Note: This item is part of a collection of letters and diary entries from soldiers of the 8th New York Heavy Artillery written while the unit was at the Siege of Petersburg. Researcher and author Kathryn Lerch generously donated all of the items in this collection for use at The Siege of Petersburg Online.
Lieut. T. J. Dean Letter July 20, 18641:
July 20th 1864
In the field near Petersburg V.A
Dear Mother & Friends all
Nothing has transpired since I wrote the last time nothing of note. We are stoping now where we were at the time. also I went over to the 94 regt the day I wrote and saw the Boys. they wer well. since them they have been over here. Fred & Thomas Close are well. I have got some glorious news to tell after all. we have been favored with a good smart rain. I tell you you dont know how much we appreciated it. we feel like a set of new men. mighty pleased the dust has gone and in exchange a nice cool air. I never felt so good over a rain as I have this. it is quite cloudy now. I dont think the rain is over with yet though it does not rain now. I am nearly over my diareah and feel tip top. I could march a long distance if required. I think we shall remain in front of Petersburg until it is taken but we cant tell anything about it. we may have orders to march before I get this letter finished. I dont think the northern papers know much about the 2nd or 5th corps if they day we are coming going back to washington or Bal. I think as the raid is over we will keep here and around Richmond until the campaign is over. The 100 day men will do the garrisson duty. this is mearly my opinion of the matter. . . . we are very comfortably situated at present for the field. . . . I dont know of any thing more to write this time. Give my love to all. I remain as of old
The soldier Boy T J Dean
Source:
- In possession of Kathryn W. Lerch and part of manuscript history of Eighth New York Heavy Artillery 1862-1865 ↩