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.
Sgt. T. J. Dean Letter July 4, 18641
July 4th 1864
In the field near Petersburg
Dear Friends at Home
Since I last wrote there has not been any casualities in our Regt. we have been laying still for a few days and the Boys are feeling a good deal better. they are getting rested up again. I am feeling like myself again. all we kneed is rest for a few days longer and we will be able to do as much as ever again. I have nothing new to write about. I write because I think you would be glad to hear from us if we dont write anething more than mearly we are well or whatever the facts may be.
From the Soldier Boy Lt T J. Dean [he received his commission as a lieutenant]
Source:
- In possession of Kathryn W. Lerch and part of manuscript history of Eighth New York Heavy Artillery 1862-1865 ↩