No. 10.

Port Hudson, La.
April 24th 1864,

My Darling Addie,

I am well and happy, as I have Just received your good letter which always makes me feel happy. I do not promise you a long letter this time. we expect to move our camp near to the inside works; wont that be to bad, after getting this camp in so good order; our gardens will do ours but little good. I was In hopes that when we went from this camp it would have been into the field, away from our Friends of color. now you need not look blue, for there is nothing so tiresome as this every day duty that has to be done in camp, and time will go so much faster. and as to being in another Battle. I do not think that I am very anxious. for I know that there is some danger of losing a limb, but I would have somebody to Sympathize with me, and perhaps to help take care of me; do you know of anybody that would. Soldiers have to obey Orders, so we have nothing to do about such things. if I have to go I Shall go wellingly and try to do my duty, and take my chances among the rest, but I do not think that we shall go. every thing Is taken from the out works (the one that the Rebs made) but we have made the other strong enough to make up.

I received a letter from the North with yours my folks are all well, by brother has been up to Vermont, they are makeing Maple Sugar. I would like to be up there for they most always have a good time in Sugar time. as to the Battle up Red River, we know but little about It. we lost 22 pieces of artillery the first day and defeated the Rebs the second. I think that if the trouth was known, we got handled very Rough. but we should not despond If we are not alway’s successful. we will hear the trouth sometime. Mrs. Chase is well. we have been to walk as our weather is fine for the first time this week, for it is very windy most of the time.

I hope that your Mother is well. I do not know what our Ad die would do if she should be taken away. give her my love; what you do not want. you do not know how happy I am to know that there is some one that care’s for me and Is anxious for my welfare, besides my Family! one does not feel so lonely when they can have a good word spoken to them wonce a week, and I get that, and more to. you know that I asked you to be a Friend to me, to advise and influence me, and you said that you would; you have done so. but I did not think that you would take advantage of my friendship and Steal my heart. who would have thought you so bad as that. but I forgive you. as I turned the table on you and took yours In turn, and I think that I got the best by the exchange, at least I would not change back for two like the one that I lost, what do you think of that; we will settle about it when we get manied wont we.

I hope that your neck was not stiff after coming from meeting as mine was wonce on a time. if I was down there I would make It get well In one night by having it rest in a very confortable position, dont you think that would do it. my birds have not done very well, as I have five, and three of them will die. I expect that I kill them with kindness. I like to hear about your pets so do not fear, what is dear to you will be so to me. your Garden is someting like ifs ownder, small, but beautifull. I shall expect some of It’s flowers. I hope that you will not trouble yourself much about your school, for this war will end sometime, and you are to be mine. I have not more to write this time, but will give you a long one next so good bye.

I remain as ever
your own Charley

(to my more than dear Addie)

Port Hudson, La. May 1st 1864

My Darling Addie,

I have not received your last letter yet, but expect It to day, if not, I will answer it next week. we had a i2i~ rain last night and the sun has not come out yet, so It is very damp and some mudy. It Thundered enough to make one’s hair stand on end, it was terrible. unless something comes up for me to write about, my letter will not be very interesting. now or here after, we get no news and we have nothing to make any out of, we are do but little. to day we have our Monthly inspection by some Coln. I have been drilling a detachment of Officers (the most of them are Cola) in Light Artillery. I do it Just to pass away time. we have been drilling our Battery and uselng Cartridges to get our Horses tamed under fire. it is quite exciting work. my birds are all gom, a part of them died the remains got out. Mrs. Chase has got one Blind one lame and one that will die.

She is enjoying good health, and has forgoten to tease me now. There was a lot of ours went out riding. what would you say if I tell you that I escorted a young Miss, we had a fine time. perhaps you wuld like to know who this Miss is, well her name is Royse, and is living with her father, is only fifteen years old. so you need not take any trouble from it, for I shall not run away with her, no indeed! I think to much of my darling little Addie, and would not give her love for the whole wourld. If you had been here, no one would have been by my side but you. I expect if Mrs. Chase should write to you she would say something about our ride and try to tease you. Mrs. Chase can ride very well now. I was out with her yesterday. we was mustered for two months yesterday and we may get it by the time I come down. I am counting the days now, only two months more, then wont we have a good time. our gardens are doing well, we shall have some green peas soon. I have pressed some of otir flowers, perhaps you would like some of them. you promaee me some of yours. our inspections has turned out to be nothing, ~is we have waited six hours, and have concluded to take another day for it.

I hear that there has been another Battle at Alxandeia but get no particulars, there has been lots of troops sent up to Banks by here. a small mail has just come from up river, none for me or Mrs. Chase. my hopes was very high but now they are lower than ever, we have had a lot of Picture taken of our quarters and camp, but they cannot be finished for sometime. you shall have some of them. Mrs. Chase is in two of them. there is quite a number of Ladies in camp now. they live in all kinds of quarters, from a wall tent to a house. I have not heard from Pythe or any body else from texas yet. Davis is up Red River yet. I wish that this war was over, and that you and I was settled in some pleasent place as happy as my Imagination could make ours. dont you wish so, It would be so nice. we do not, as a General thing, receive one half of our anticipated pleasures, if I receive one half I shall be contented. I do not see anything that cart hinder ours from enjoying all that we anticipate; we will make our own happiness. I look forward to a certain time when we can be happy and can enjoy ourselves togeather.

Remember me to your kind mother as I expect her to be one to me before long, if you can spare her, and I know that you will, you dear sweet little Beauty, If I was down there I would just take something from thoes lips of yours, what would you do in that case. I have no more to write this time so I bid you good night with the best wishes of your lover and Cousin.

I remain as ever
Yours; and Only Yours
Charles

(To my first and only Love)
Addie Francisco

Port Hudson La. May 8th 1864

My Darling Addie,

I received two of your kind and good letters, this week, one of the 23d of April and the other the 1st of May. I will answer the first, first. I think that a little somebody was very blue In feelings when she wrote that. how I would liked to have been there Just as you finished it and put my arms around somebodys neck and supprised her by taken a sweet kiss. do you think that she would have felt so very bad after. I think that the blue letter would never have gorn to the P.O. I think that the trouble is in our Mail carrier, but we have a new one now perhaps it will be more regular. if you had been in camp as long as I have you would take but little notice of the rumers that are flying about. I do not agree with you about New england men. what I have seen of them, they are equel to any that ever commanded men, since this was opened. they the first to shed there blood In every war in the United States, and they will be last. they are slow, but very deturming New england men hung the first, last and onley Traitor that has been hung sence this was opened. a great many of our good fighting men are in western Reg~ as to Banks. I never thought much of him. I was under him in 1861 in Maryland, in V.a. he was the Rebles Commissary, and perhaps he will be here, but after all he never failed in his life, to accomplish what he aimed at, he is a self made man. the Trouble up Red River amounts to but little you must not believe one half what you hear, even from thoes that was In the fight. for they most always exaggerate things to make themselves look larger and they that talk so loud out of the fight, do the least in one. This Department will not do but little towards bringing the rebs to time, and it make but little difference weather they are victorious, as long as our kjg army are suécessfull. we have accomplished most every thing that is of any account here. untill we do something elseware. I never have any thing~’to forgive you about, as you never do any thing wrong you know that you can atways do just as you have a mind to with me. what do you think I would if you did not write. I should feel very bad. you know that I may get your letters if you do not get mine. I hope that you will not get so discourage again, for it makes me feel just so to. your No 11 gives me much pleasure. for when you are happy I am so. Thoes flowers I have put away with the rest of my keepsakes. I sent you some of ours. we got some the other day with four different colors on one stem. I have some of them a pressing. does he, that Pythe calls the seven year, bring you any boquets now. now I pitty the fellow, do you think he needs it. I sent by one of our men to Mrs. Laws for Pythe or Sylvander thoes Papers that I have been to work upon if there Is no body to receive them in a short time you can get them and keep them for him. I expect Pythe Regj up river soon by what Coin Davis says, and perhaps he will call. Mrs. Laws was very kind to me when I was wounded before going north, but now ther is some body that I think will be kind when I am In that condition again, we hear up here that Banks Is to be relieved and Dudley is ordered to his Reg~ (U.S.A.) you say that you feel as if you should like to go way off whare you would not hear about things, whare you would go. I intend to take you up noah, but I am in hopes that this war will be at an end by that time, we are more aparted to feel a little reverse at or near home that a large one at a distance. Our weather is very fine, some dusty. we had green peas for dinner from our gardens. Mrs. Chase is well, she has four young macking Birds, they are doing fine: she may raise them Mrs. Chase wished me to say that she intended to have written to you to day, but her sickness kept her behind hand on her home corrispondence. she may have said something to Mrs. Laws about me, but perhaps Pythe hinted to to him and he Guested the rest. [do not care who knows it they will have to know it some time. I expect that all of my folks know it before this, so dont mind anything about it. My sister in law (John’s wife,) wrote to me that she was very glad to know that I had found somebody who is very Dear to me and thinks me very lucky to find you out here whare I need society and Friends so much, she wonders what you will think of my Country home and home people that live there. her name is Irena and I think much of her and her children, two in number.

I have there Pictures. you will like them all. I wrote home that I -should be there by January, and they all look forward to that date as a certainty you see they have- more confidence than you, but do not have two much for It would be the harder to bare If we are disappointed. lrena write that they have been making Maple sugar and have about five hundred lbs made. I do not know if you would be intere~ted in our stock or not, perhaps so: at least you may sometime. well we have about rUnty sheap about twenty head of cattle six co~vs among thease and three Horses. just imagine your self on a farm making Butter”and doing such thing, does it not make you laugh. perhaps if you was up there you would be more healthy running about among the mountains, perhaps I would find you at home less than I do know when I come down. I would giver away money sooner than I would your love, you can see what a great responsability I shall have when I take you, for I value you more than I would your weight in gold. I think if your Bird goes with it’s mistress. I am all wright for I shall not want but one as long as she has the other. I shall get a mocking Bird that can play as well as sing. you talk about being within supporting distance. if you meen the suppofting that you gave me the last night that I was there I am satisfied. I hope that you will not be as much supprlsed as you was before for you allmost lost your tongue and we had to let our hearts do the talking. I will try to let you know as near as I can when I come down, and I will do the best that I can to let you know if we move - when I get into the field I will write more often and you will get some of them. Addie dear you must not think that we are entirely out of danger or that we must get hurt if we go into the field. for of all of our fighting (and we have been in some tight places) we never had a man killed up on the field and only two that have died of there wounds. but few men gets killed upon the Battle field compared to the number that dies In hospital. we lost a man last week one of our new men, he leaves a wife and two children. If, I have had nothing to live for, it is not so now for I have your own Dear self, and I hope that we may boath be spaired. for tis bet to mourn the loss of a husband than a Lover, for in the last case we get but few syrnpathize with curs - do you think so. but do not feel anxious about me for I am enjoying good health. you think this will be a warm summer. I think that may be, but it has not been very warm long at a time, yet.

Do they at the Post Office consider my letters as drop letters, if so we cane send them within this department for two cents - that is to or from soldiers. Addle will you get me some Postage stamps. when you happened down, If you will, you may have my thanks and every thing else if you want. you may keep for your own use a part of them, now see if you can please me sharing with me, you send them up In a letter, and I will send them down upon the outside of letters - that will do, will it not? our Lieut that went north writes back that all of the Girls are married, only one left - in his town and she Is under the age for such things. We will tease him some when he comes back, for we thought that he entended to have double ~. there must be a better market-up in his place than In most places Generaly. but I would not give my Darling for all of them, because she calls me by some pet name and and I like it, ‘~as~it makes one’s heart flutter so and set it longing after it’s mate. 0; how I wish that you was up here with me to stay. it seems a~if I could be always contented if I only had you to help pass away time with, but”l will some, may I not.

Dearest; it is only seven weeks more to july, then if I can get away; wont we improve the time. I shall send some papers this week. I wish that you could get the first reading of them. they must appear very old by the time that you get them, do they not.

We have a Reg~ of whites here now they come two days ago. they are new men, we appreaciate them I can tell you. we had an alarm up to our left night -before last, but we did not hear it, so did not turn out, it amounted to nothing. I shall feel more safe now haveing some Soldiers (white) to support ours. I do not have much confidence in Pythe leaving off drinking, he has done it many times, but has always dated it back. I hope that it Is so for he cannot last long If he continues it. as soon as he meets any friends In the city I Guess It will be the last of his good resolutin. Just see how I try to please you, you dear good little woman, but I shall get paid for it, I know but this will do for this time. Remember me to your Mother and who ever you have a mind to. accept this with the kind wishes of your Lovier.

as ever,
(To my dear little Addie) Charley,
a long letter to pay for this

No. 13.

Port Hudson La
May 15th 1864,

My Darling Addle,

This is a very Pleasent - evening. just the one for lovers to converse togeather, and I will improve It by writing a good long letter to my own darling Addle. This has been a very hot as well as an exciting day. now I do not want you to have any fears of our safety by what I shall tell you. The Rebels made a dash In to Dr. Noyse Plantation (which Is situated just below here on the river at a place called Mount Pleasent.) surrounded the stockade but the few men in it run out and was mostly killed outside. they burned the saw mill and house and carried off all the mules and cattle. there was about nine killed and some wounded and I believe one white Officer takened prisoner. this was done at daybreak. we was ordered out to the southe soly-Port to await further orders, the cavalry went out and engaged the rebels about eight-miles out, killing and wounded some and took two to four Prisoners. one of thease was a Capi, we waited until three oclock before we got any orders to come In, and I can till you that we was in no pleasant mood after staying out in the hot sun eight hours without anything to eate or drink for the men or horses had not been to Breakfast when we went out. Upon the whole the rebels made but little. two days ago two men took two horses and one Nigroe from a team that went out side, and we was ordered out the same way and stayed five houres - we will look out for thease Rerbels now. We was paid to night, have just got through we received only two months pay this time.

The 6th Michigan Regi has come back and are In camp near ours. Capt. Craig has been and got married, what do you think of that. he did not bring his wife down here. you see what soldiers will do when they get a chance. I expect that there is a somebody up here that would do the same if a somebody would just say so. we hear all kinds of reports about a big fight in V.A. it is very ê6vident that there has been a large Battle fought, and I hope that the reports is true,ethat is, we whipped them the second and thurd days, but was out flanked the first. we hear nothing from Banks or up river but expect to every day to hear that they are all wright. I hear by Maj. Hoyt that Pythe is in New Orleans have you seen him. I wished that he would come up here. we would be very glad to see him - he would hardly know this Battery now. I am sorry that his Brother is so sick; it bad enough to be well and be away from home. you will get the report that Port Hudson was taken sunday morning May lSih 1864 and all the troops killed so do not believe a wourd of it - will you? the rebs will be sorry that they ever commenced burning private buildings, for to night their will be enough disstroyed to make up for our lost; and they have more that will come soon. perhaps you would like to see my tent just as it is this moment. well It has a small bed, Just large enought for one sits on the right-had side with white Linnin sheats and white blankets upon it, the mattress is none of the soft kind, at the foot of this, is a small table with Papers, jacket, towells and odds and end’s upon it. under it is a depository for boots spurs blacking, brushes and C; at the Head of my tent is another table larger and contains a draw In It, which Is full of every thing In the shape of candles, Pistols, cartridges, papers, thread and neadle. Book go upon the table is a shelf which has boxes containing papers and small things such as belongs to a batchelor, besides thease there Is a porifolia, a bottle containing two young Opossum, matches JC. upon the top of the table is books, such as artillery Infantry tactics - a soldiers Testament or an army regulation, boxes riting material some pictures, one of thease is of your darling self. one the left side of the tent Is a trunk and a Box that I call a clothes press as It presses everthing that is put into it. under the table is my release sadle release slippers and a few other things. upon the poles hangs my sabre canteen cup JC. you do not see any whiskey bottles laying around, do you no, well how do you like my tent. think that you would make any alteration In it. we have got some Claret to drink this hot weather, so when you come up I will treat you to some.

I received two letters from the north with your dear kind letter. my folks are all well mother sent me her picture, we received the mail this afternoon. do not think so much about our little disasters they do not amount to any thing. you must remember that this department Is only a part of our army and as to us here, do not feel anxious, for anything should happened you will hear of it and know just how every thing stands. as to the Rebels in New Orleans they will hear some-things that will make them feel blue before long, do not have any fears of Port Hudson, we have t~o regt~ of whites besides the cavalry and Batterys and can hold it against 50,000 men, and we know that the Rebels cannot get tha~’t many down here. as for me, they never shall get me If I can help it. I do not thf’nk that Butler is coming here, but some other Genl will.

I knew that you did not care who I rode out with, if I had thought you would I should never have told you of it. I trust you with my happiness and place full confidence in you. and as to anything preventing our being happy, why; there is nothing, and I hope that will be the case always. I am willing that you should know everything that I do or have done sence I come down here. I have one mocking bird that was given to me. he is doing well, he is about half grown, can fly a little, and will always get back into the cage if he can. if he lives, it will be a mate to yours. as to my poor luck raising birds, why I have a female bird, mocking I guess, that I would not give for all the wound, I have her picture before me now, would you like to see it; it has no wings, but has a pair of arms that I love to have around my neck, (when it Is not stiff) Mrs. Chase is well and go to ride every morning and evening when It is good weather. she asked me If I was agoing to be married the 5th of July 1 said, yes to everything, so she does not know anymore than before. if she knew what date we are to be married she would know more than I do. Only six weeks more before I shall try to come down to see you, ih.en wont we have a good time.

Remember me to your mother. I hope that this will find her in good health. my folks have received your Picture that I sent. they say that they cannot tell much by a picture how one does really look - they will see sometime. a Friend expect me home to take a christmas Dinner with her, what do you think of that. 1 will send you my mother Picture, to look at. she does not look as well as she did when I was at home. I have written in a hurry and I have felt a little nervous so make the best of it. I do not think anything more to write, write me a good long loving letter and accept the kind wishes of your Lover.

I remain as ever
yours Truly and wholey

Charles, H, Dyer,
to my loving Addie)

Port, Hudson. La, May 22d
1864

My Darling Addle

I take this oppertunlty to write, as I am all alone. Pythe and Chase have gorn down to Head Quarters. Perhaps you think It quite strange that I should see Pythe before you, but it is so, for he says that he did not go up to Jefferson. I did not ask him for his reasons for not doing so, but I suppose that he had so many friends to see and entertain that he could not do so. his Brother has gorn up River in a very low state. Pythe was Ordered to report here for duty. I expect he will be Chief of Artillery (Heavy) he thinks that he will send for his wife as soon as he gets his quarters, and let her come down with his Brother, who has sixty days leave.

I expect that your hopes and spirits are as high, as they were low some time ago. every thing looks well in V,A. we get reports that the Rebels have been driven from there entrenehments (I do not know how far from Richmond thease are) they cannot be the main works. you must get all kinds of reports but there can be but few that would tend to make the rebels glad. they must be low in spirits, unless they use Louisiana Rum, to keep them up. I suppose Genj, Banks Is in New Orleans I do not know what he will do, perhaps go North for his health as the most of thease Plaid out Generals do. we hear that the Army has come back to aplace on the river. (I have forgotten the name) Perhaps we shall like this new General, I hope so. If things continue as they have opened for two months -this war will end, as far as the large fighting go. then wont there be some rejoicing among us poor Soldiers and thoes that expect to be made one with a soldier. I know of one that will:’ dont you think you know of somebody that would if a soldier would Promace to be always kind, loving and obligeing: I have your answer before this. I shall hot say anything more about new england or new england men for I would not cause you pain for anything.

we have our opinions and~if we do not express them, they will do no harm. and as I have promace not to b~’ offended at anything that you say or do, there is no damage of my being angry with my Own Darling little Addle. I always write upon the impulse of the moment, and if I should stop to consider I would not send one half of what I write. I wish that everybody (soldiers) was as happy in loving, and being loved as I am what a happy wound this would be. perhaps they are; who knows. your kind letter arrived here thursday morning. perhaps we shall get our letters more regular they are the only ones that gives me any real enjoyment, all others are second on the list, perhaps you think that this is not wright. they would think so if they only knew it.

Mrs. Chase is well and rides very often. I have been out with her wonce this last week. she has company by way of horse back riders, who come around with there long rideing habits. Miss Royse is well although I have not seen her for some time, we have not rode togeather sence. Mrs. Chase and I called but she was not at home I think i quite pleasent to have young folks to ride with, If we could make our own selection, for all are not so agreeable. I received thoes stamps and am under meny obligation. If you had takened more of them, you would have pleased me more, but never mind, I will be a head yet. I will begin wonce more, for sence dinner it has been so hot that I could not write and the Maj has been here. Mrs. Chase and the others have gom out on Horse back this evening,. I had to take it at the table, but I did not care for I am all wright and they know nothing about how things a agoing, only Guess at them. they all want an invotion to our wedding. Mrs. Chase thinks it will be very nice to have Belle down here to go to; I think so to for I think much of her, you see what I have to stand. now if you will only be on my side, I would not care for all of the rest. you say that you have only you Mother and me to please. I do not think that will be very hard to do as I am already satisftde, and will try to pay you by doing anything that you shall want. Addie, our air castles that we build, gets takened down some times. our Farm in Vermont has been Sold, and we will have to build on something else. this place was to fur away from Boston as that has been and perhaps’ alway will be our chief place of Business, we shall try to Buy In Mafo, how will you like that, perhaps you will be near some of your folks, or at least nearer than you would be if you was up in Vermont. I do not think that you will have any trouble in going the good will will of my folks. but the idea of you living in the Country and me in the city, 1 shall not agree to that, for it is bad enough to live away from you in war times when we are oblige to do so, than I expect to have to let you as you have a mind to. perhaps a little School Marm would not look so well petting the chicke~s and other things as she would petting thoes Chick at Jefferson and as to making Butter an milking, I guess you will not have mCtch trouble doing that. But the Cold weather I do not know what you will do, pethaps if you should go north in the spring, you could stand it. you think wright about my ordering you to stay at home, for I shall do no such thing. I do not entend to be tyrannize over you, for I think that you will love me enough to do just about wright without any order, but as you say wait unttIl thoes words are said making you mine and see. I wish that they were said, but the time will come, but I do not know when, do you? I shall not get a very heavy wife, only 100 lbs but they saying is that the good thing are done up in small bunches. I do not care as I feel satisfide, and I am just indipendent enough not to care what others think, and I guess my little birde is so to; is she not.

I am sorry that your Mother is sick. you must take good care of her and give her my love (what there Is left after you get your share). I expect that she will miss her addie when she goes away from her, but she does not expect to have you always besides I have promaced to take good care of her Darling, that will be some thing. you do not know if I would be pleased or not if you should tease, you just try it and see will you; you have hinted at it a number of times but have not tried. I think that I can stand to have my ears boxed if it was only in fun, but I remember when Mother used to do it and I made some very bad faces at it. I shall be willing to take part pay in that, if I get the rest in something else; say a loving kiss for Instance.

Pythe is to have his Quarters at Head quarters and is to have an office and a tent. he is to see to all of the heavy artillery at this Post. he sais that he expects to g~i it when he comes there, for not coming before or when he was in the city. he is not quite well yet but is looking very well under the sircumstanees. I shall have to help him straighten at his papers. I thought that I had done with them, every thing is drying up here, our gardens will go up if we do not get some rain. we are having very hot weather now, but we have nothing to do so we can make ourselves comfortable. we have to lookout for the Rebs. I was out all one night with a section waiting for them, but they a~ come. it appears that we are nowin a land of Peace compared with the country up north. what a lot of Poor fellows have gom to there long Homes, to fight no more, but many more will go before this Ball closes, and they are willing, if by doing so the country can be saved. I heard by-Mrs. Laws that you had been there. she sent word to me that a Miss somebody had been there that I knew. you see I have a way of finding out things, then no doubt I shall see it in your next letter. my health continues good, so does every body else about here, and my spirits are good whe I can recerve letters from my little Cousin. I havE nOihing to write and will close hopeing this will find you well and happy. write me a good long loving letter at least as long as this la~t one. yours are written finener and of course are longer than they look compar&l with mine, accept this and the good wishes of your own Loving Charley for he remains as ever, your is to be Husband To my (is to be) wife or my loving little Addle

P.S. Holeomb does not know of my writting this to you. if he did, he would send some would no doubt C,H,D,

Port Hudson La, May 29th
1864,

My Darling Addle,

I have just finished my morning duties, and they are not very small, as I have become a man of a family. just think of it six small children to feed and take care of, besides the Battery to see to. well, the trouth Is, that I have six mocking birds, five of them are just out of the nest, and the other one, is nearly as large as an old Bird, but he was raised in camp and Is a very nice one. I was coming to my tent the other day and missed him from his cage, and I was feeling quite bad, but upon looking around I saw him on the fence mouth wide open for me to feed him. he looked as if he was laughing at me because he had got out of rn~ trap. he is quite tame and before he could fly he would go into his cage himself. I suppose that you think that yours will beat all that I can raise; well we will see. Mrs. Chase has ten all doing well, she has some that are a little crippled. I told her that I wished that some of there tails would come out, so that I could get even with her; for she tried to tease me about your bird not having any. togeather with thoes other cripples (jip and the cat) we continue to have our little quarrels; In fun. she has named one of her birds, Charley because he Is so lively and ia~J~ as he will take care of himself and feed his mate to, who she has named Addle just for the fun of it, I suppose. she is enjoying good health so is the Captain No 2, cur weather is very dry and dusty, so much so, that we cannot drill, everything is drying up and plowing away, perhaps I may go that way to, but I guess not as long as I can eatemny ration. I have not received your dear letter this week, but I am not agoing to feel blue this time, for I know that It would make you feel for me, and perhaps feel blue to. my health is good, as well as my spirits, for may is about gorn and it will nbi be long before July. Cthen’I Pythe is here at Head Quarters. I saw him yesterday morning, he was very sick the night before, but is better now. we are agoing to put up a tent for hiTh, up with ours, so we can take care of him he will come to night if the Dr. will let him. his old complaint (Diarrhea) and what we fear the most, is the effects of Bad Vaccination which is breaking out upon him. The Dr’s says that he must go north out of this department or he will die.

he has forwarded his papers all approved, and will with out doubt go north soon, he is Inspector of artillery. it appears more like home to have the Maj with ours, and I guess that he thinks so to. we will try to get him well so that he can go north in good health. I guess that you will find this letter as dry as our weather is at Present, but it is the Best that I have for we have nothing to do or write about, when I get no letters from you I read the old one’s. I have read all that I have this week, abut twenty nine In number It gives me quite a treat to look over what we have done and said. what would you give to recall what your wrote in your letter dated feb. 7th. 1 know that you would give nothing now but you may some time, but you shall not If I can help It. by being kind and loving to you. day before yesterday was the time one year ago, that the first assault was made upon this place. I worked my section from seven Oelock untill 12 M, and we called it Hot work, but even under thoes sireumstances I had time to think of my Dear Addie. I loved her then, but she did not know It, and I looked forward to a time when I should tell her how dearly I loved her, which was a long time to wait as things turned out - for I was wounded and went north without seeing you. but every thing has come wright ~ or if they have not nowthey will soon.

dont you think that my head has some soft places in it, by what you have seen of my writing; if you do, you are the cause of it. for no one else ever saw anything like It from me, and I always feel better if I can express my tender feelings as well as the more hard and friendly one’s so as to keep my mind clear. I have not got any letters from the north this week, but I got two Papers which I will send to you this week. we get nothing from grant, or any movements north but suppose that every thing must come on well as they have called our a large nümher of 100 day’s men. if we can only get Richmond, this war cannot last very long. I hope that we may take it; the fighting in this Department is at an end for the present. How do the Reb~ feel In New Orleans now, we can tell by the way that they act weather they or we are successfull or not, but they must must feel as if everything was at-stakes now is they lose thIs year, they go ~ our veterans have not come back yet. we want that Lt. to come so we can enjoy ourselves at his expense. for we know that People do not want the Mitten in this wann climate or in the northern cliirtaté7if they go from here up there expecting to come back. dont you think that I was very fortunate to get along as well as I did. wi~iat do you suppose I should have done if I had got the mitten. I should not have hufig myself, no, not I; but I should have felt poorly enough, but would have been to Proud to have let others see it.

Well my Darling I have but little more to write this time there is a few rebs around ours yet, but they will do ours but little harm. Remember me to your Dear Mother and give her my friendship for you have all of my love. I told Mrs. Chase that I was writting to you, and she wanted me to say that she had not got time, as yet to write to you. (she has ten birds) she sends Love to you and Mother. I am agoing to write home to my sister Julia, so I will close with a Promace to write a better letter next time. hopeing that this will find my Dear, Dearer, and Dearest of Little Darling in good health and spirits. I will close with all the good wishes that you can imagine.

I remain as ever
Your Own Loving,
Charley,

(To Addle, “the best of wimin”)
and my heart Idol.

No16

Port Hudson La,
June 5th 1864,

My Darling Addie,

I received your two dear and interesting letters last wednesday, so one was only three days coming, and I was very much pleased to get one is so short a time. We have had some rain thease last two days and I think we shall get some to day. every thing will grow again and we shall get some beniftt of our gardens, we have but little war news. the 6th Mich Reg~ is to go into the field. perhaps there Is a somebody down there that would like to know it. I think that I saw somebody with a six on his cap when I was down. I am glad that you will not blame the males any more as long as you have any reason to blame the mails. I suppose, Pythe is here still, he was up here last tuesday and we finished his Papers. I mailed them for washington wednesday, he does not take any interest In them, but will do all of the fretting, if they are not done just as if they would do themselves.

without any body help, well they are gorn at last, although I had to sign his name, to get them off in the end for him. he expects his furlough this week, and then he will get well, before he comes back. I think that he only got on one spree while in the city, he does not drink up here. Poor fellow he means to do” well, for he tires very hard to keep from drinking, we have some influence over him, but have no need of useing It. then you think you will spoil me of you tell what you think. I do not care as long as it is In the wright way, say; just as you-have been doing, making me love you more and more every day. where do you think it will end. -I hope that I never shall misuse your conftdinee. 1. know you would have liked to have sent a word to Port Hudson, by your Cousin, If you had dared to, but as long as I get letters I shall be contented.

I have six moëkiiiig Birds now, all well, they can sing for something to eate twenty five tunes in a hour. you say that you will not brag of your Bird ‘any more because he is so ill looking, now as long as his mistress is pretty I do no~ see why you should care, it all in the family, (one sing well the other Pretty) what can I do with my Birds if we are Ordered in to the field, is there anybody down there that would take care of them for me if they was paid for there trouble. I would like to carry some north to give away. if you want some young ones to give away, I can get you some for I know of several nests with young in them and if I stay here I can raise them up so they can feed them selves - without any trouble. I think that you will turne over a good many leaves, before and after you get up among thoes new englarid-ers. dont you think so. one will to to change your name - what do you think of that. I do not find any fault with you about your habits. I am sorry that you was feeling out of sorts. If you was up here or I was down there I would take all of thoes feelings away, dent you think I could. I feel blue some time but It’s most generaly when I do not get a letter from you. I think that you will like my mother and she you as every body like her after they get acquainted with her. I have only that one Picture of her here. I had another which I lost with some others and my money when we went to Texas, you remember of our starting - at least I do very well, you say that you will not be treated to claret, well, if you will not be treated to claret, I will treat you as you did me. that is a good long letter, and if it surves you as they always does me, they will make you feel In better spirits than all the liquor ever made. for they are something that makes the heart light and happy, how will this suit you. we drink Claret, because our water is so bad and it is very healthy in hot weather. do you object to a person drinking It? Mrs. Chase is unwell to day - she has not been so, for nearly five weeks which is a long time for her. her birds are all douring well but two, one the rats got and the other got his bill caught in the wire. she wanted to know if you sent any word to her, in my letter. I told her that you sent your respects to her, you did in your mind if not in the letter. I wish that you was here, we would see who would be wished in Dixie. as to sending you there, I entend to take you out of It, by going north with you. as to the things in the tent, we will not quarrell about that, we will work to-geather and make everything pleasent. I suppose that you know that there is no C.d.A, now, but U.S.I.C, (United States Infantry Colored) now if you take that School of unbleached americans will will have a write ~i; after your name like this; A Francisco School Mann Col. Just think of, is it not Beautifull. we asked the MaI how he would like a regj of the Spotted Yankeys now, he was quite Indignant at the question. the Corpse (as we call it) Is plaid out: no go! I suppose that you will not commense your term untill this one Is out or perhaps not untffl jÜlyãnd aug~ is through.

for this Species of hunanity in a warm day in a close room is more than I can bare, how do you like this. d~ not let me detur you from your undertakeing, but if you do not go into it untill I coifie down, I think that you willl not at all. For I shall try to put in my dames for a great Responsibility (in a small paeage) now Addle, if It was not for this war, my dame would have been in long ago, but under the sercumstanees now, if you are willing to take your chances as some others do. “CapI Craig for instince got married and left his wife at home while he is to serve three years if the war last, that long, but he entends to bring his wife down when he is situated that it would be pleasent for her. now I am better situated than he is, for I could keep my wife in new Orleans, whare she is acquainted and whare I could visit her quite often, and I could have her visit me in camp, when it was permanent, as it has been in this place. so I guess I will put In my dames, you see that I talk very plane to you for I am just as ready now, as ever I will be In this department to take such a great Responsibisiitv so when I come down we will fix on a day, and make other arrangements, now have you anything to say, I would like for you to Speak you mind on this subiect for we have gorn so far, now, that we may lay aside all reserve and take things just as there are, and be all the better for it. I know that you love me with your whole heart and have full confidence in me and I have the same confidence in you and love you very very much more than I can express. My whole happines depends upon you, so I will promace every-thing that will make you happy. so you can act and speak just as If we were married for that Is sure to come as if thoes words were said. if we live, and as there is no third purson to know what we say, we cannot do any thing wrong now My Darling what do you think of all this, you must think me a very quear fellow, I do not care. I know that you a good enough to make up for what I am wanting In goodness, so It will be all in the family. I am sorry that your Mother is so unwell. I am afraid that we shall not have her long to love us, do you? you must continue to be the same good child to her, as you always have been. give her my good wishes and some love, will you not. I like her very much, not just because she is your Mother, but because she is a good woman beside~ that is a good recomend for her child, good mother; good children.

We have no news from up river yet. our cavalry on the other side is clearing out the rebels on the river, the small squads that do so much damage to our -shiping. I have just got N.O. papers of yesterdays, but see nothing in them, only that the river Is stoped up. that Is the reason that we have not any thing from V,a, or Grant. Genl Comby Is organizing his troops and every thing looks as if we would not stay here long, as the outer works are to be taken down and after that we do not need Light dftillery, at lease one of thease three Batterys will go. I expect that we will be the one. Mrs. Chase in that case will rather go up ~r down river into some safe place for she cannot stay here. P)ythe is very anxious to have his cavalry come up and have our Battery attatched to it. he says that Coin Davis will give me a Captain’s commission what do you think about my takeing it. I do not care what you think; I shall not, this turin will be enough for me.

I see by the papers that our men are in N.O. we shall try to get two more gun’s now. if we are not ordered away I shall only have about four weeks to wait before 1 can make my application for a leave to go to Jefferson, to get a sweet kiss from my Dear little Addle and she will be at home. I hope that you was not offended at what I said about your pleasing me for I did not intend anything out of the way. yes you have always pleased me and I have not fears but you always will, you are my Dear little Addle and I am agoing to please you If I can, and let you have your own way and if you do not please yourself, I do not know who Is to blame.

The Cavalry lost a Lieu. to day the Rebels got him. we are to fire at a Target to morrow with our pices, so we can hit Rebs when they come. I do not wish as you do. I want every one killed, not taken Prisoner, well, I have written a long letter, dont you think so, just to please you, some nonsence in it. I will not ask you for a long one, for you always do well. accept this and the Best wishes of your affectemate (Cousin) Friend; Lover; and

Your Own
Charley,

(To Dearest Addie)

Port Hudson La June 20th 1864,

Dear Addie,

I received your very kind and interesting letter last wednesday. It gives me happiness to know that my Darling, Is happy and is not agolng to the Blues any more. I cannot say so, for I expect to have them eveiyume that I do not get your letters in time, and I never can appear what I am not, my face will allways tell tales. I do not think that I have quite so much a charge on my hands as you, for I expect that you have quite a number of mocking birds on your hands more than I have of a different kind to; some that you have been feeding for the last year (on the contents of books and good advice) but you have got most through now. two of my birds died going down river, the rest is well, one got out and went into the streat and stated as long as he was a mind to, then went back into his cage. we have heared nothing from Pythe yet. I expect that he is to home before this time. I think very much of him. If I did not I would not have done so much for him on his papers. I think that he will not drink much untill he gets well, but as for his leaving off from it for any leanth of time. I think that water will run up hill, first, not but he would try but that his nature is such that he cannot.

so you just thought you would find out what I thought abut your takeing a Colored School, well, I guess you found out, perhaps more than you wanted to, If so for give me this time; will you not. I do not think that you will take a school of any kind if I have anything to say, an I guess I will before long, for It will not be an inconvenience to have a little wife, not if she is willing to take things as they come, for a soldier will have something to live for and have something to keep him him in the wiight-way and have a good Influence over him. I have been up Thomsen creak twice this week, last tuesday we got twenty five large birds and or~e alligator which was spoiled before we got his hide off. I have skined in good shpe. I like the fun of killing thease savage fellous. I have quite a number of lareg birds ready to put up. I shall wait unttll this fall before I get any more, I want some small one’s.

We have just had a nbce shower and it was very refreshing for it has been very hot to day. our Gardens are doing nicely now, we still have green things from it. I have not recerved any letters from home this week, but I suppose that I will have to be content with yours. There is a Colored Brigade and one Battery agoing up to Morganza.

we expect to get some more horses soon and two more pieces. we are to get one of the Battery that is agoing up river.

C.H. Dyer Diary Page 75

To My Darling Addie)

P.S. I received the picture in good shape.

Mrs. Chase is well and would no doubt send her respect to you if she knew of my writting. her birds are doing well, she has three young ones, making eleven, she lost her Charley and let her Addle go, we stffl have our little quarrels In fun. Chase Is about the same all the time. I am very gald that your mother is better. I hope that she may get well and be Mother for meny years to come, my Love to her, all that Addle can spare. we have but little news. Grant is still suecessfull but there will be some hard fighting yet, some thinks that the 19th Corps (the one that we belong to) it tU go to Grant. I do not think that we shall move at the present. I have nothing more to write so good Buy for this time.

Hopeing to be with you soon I remain as ever
Your Own Charley

Port Hudson La July 19th 1864,

My Darling Addie,

I am safe at this place as you see by the heading. I left N.O. Tuesday evening on the Iberville and come as far as Baiten Rouge. then I found the little steamer cornie with our Lteuj Baker, who was sent down after the men of the first Battery, so I come up with him. I was in luck by doing so, for the Ibervllle did not get up here untill the next evening.

Time is passing very slow now, any way I guess that I can stand it, dont you. mrs. Chase is very well. I do not think that she will come down with me. she will not say eather one way or the other. I would like for her to come, but if she will not we can get along with out her. our weather is very hot now and we are to be Inspected this evening, quite a number of troops are leaving here to day for Morganza and we expect to move up to or into the inside works. we will feel safer there, then out here on the outworks without any support. I have not received any letters from Pythe yet. I shall write this week about his papers. I do not know of anything that I can do up here that will make our arangements more compleet than they are now. Give my respects to Mother that is to be for I expect to take her only child from her and leave her without anything to comforter her remaining days. but you know that I have promace to make her daughter happy and perhaps it’s for the best we have no war news here. I expect to here from grant soon.

I shall try to be down there by the first or as soon after as I can get a boat.~ I do not think that I shall have any trouble about getting a leave.

I have nothing to write that,will interest you. hopeing this will find you in good health and spirits (Happy one’s)

I remain as ever
Your affeeternate
Charley

To my Darling Addie

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Letters (part 1)

Introduction

Diary