June 27-28, 1864 T. Jasper Dean (Letter)

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 June 27, 1864¹

June 27^th 1864

In the Field

Dear Friends

Haveing the good luck to borrow a sheet of paper I seat myself again to write a few lines.  I wrote yesterday to Father Baker & all connected to the family.  We are expecting another long march to City point so report says but we cant tell whare we will go from here.  we have not had aney casualities from the Bulletts since I wrote last.  it is very warm which affects the men considerably.  it weakens them.  they sweet so much and drink so much it makes them stupid and dull.  more or less are sent to the hospital daily.  we have not only between 5 or 6 hundred men with us out of between 16 or 1700 that came out with us.  none scarecly return but maney go.  If it keeps on for three weeks as the last three has been the 8th Arty will be plaid out.  nothing will be left of them but the sick and wounded.  it some times looks discourageing but such is the fate of war and we must abide by it honorably it take it as it comes let it cost what it will.  I saw Will Osborne last eve.  he is well.  Gillis was here this morn but has gone back to the Hospital.  Lt. Loomis is quite bad off.  he has been sent on to City Point.  Let. Stafford is in the Hospital not dangerous.  Write next time about that Regt Record I sent while at Ft Marshall.  I realy would like to know if you recd it for I count it as a big thing.  I have not answered Berts letter yet but will soon.  I think I can get paper of the Christian Commission in a few days.  Dallis Dean is by the side of me.  He is well.  stands it tip top.

I am glad you got the Record.

June 28^th  and all is well.  no casualities.  Our Co C and Co A are on Pickett now.  I am seated on my knapsack on pickett line in the woods not far from where I commenst this letter yesterday.   all is quiet.  there has [been] no fireing at all.  it is the pleasantest place I have found for some time.  quite cool it rained a verry little last eve makeing the air quite refreshing.  I havent seen a drop fall since before Bert Fuller was wounded the night of the third inst or least dont remember. . . . I have been in command of the Co for some time past and if I get my appointment which I expect now soon it will date back to the time I have acted Lt which has been nearly a month three weeks.  Capt Baker recd his appointment but a short time since as Major.  His name was sent in but two or three days before mine.  I shall look everry day for a reply to the application they made for me two weeks ago last Sabath.  mail it went out from our Regt Head Quarters.  I dont think of aney thing more to write this time.  I am obliged to you for the last letter and the contents.  I hope Bert will get well.  Oh how I would like to see my wounded Boys but alas I can only wish them good success.   write in your next letter how maney Letters you have recd from me since I left Bell Plaine include all to all of our Family.  I dont think they have all gone through. Give my best wishes to all.  I close From the Soldier Boy.

T J Dean

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