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. His 15^th Maine served in Louisiana & Florida, participating in the 1864 Red River Campaign, and later in Virginia, and was present at the Bermuda Hundred. During service it lost 5 killed and mortally wounded and 343 by disease for a total of 348.

Isaac Dyer was a well-educated, highly articulate correspondent and a shrewd observer of men and events. This letter—[Dated “Camp Parapat [LA] Aug. 5, 1863”—3 pp. in ink on lined paper, 5 x 8.25—exhibiting fold-marks—else VG]—Dyer writes from Louisiana following the regimental departure from Pensacola. Excerpts as follow:

“The weather is fine and everything looks prosperous in this Department. I am in hopes that it will be our happy lot to be relieved before a great while and be allowed to visit our homes, but I suppose we shall have to go to Texas and Mobile before we can do that.

We must keep up the very best of courage and trust to Him who doeth all things well. If I do not come home I want you to live just where can enjoy yourself the best. If you prefer to stop in Boston by all means stop there. I think you stay Providence was short. What was the trouble? Didn’t you find any Johnny Cakes? Is George being drafted? I expect he will be. If so he will have to pay the three hundred dollars charge it to the firm…

Give me a list of some of the boys drafted. Wish I could have them in my regiment. I suppose they would soon think I was a hard customer and not fit to command them. I expect there will be some rich scenes exacted during the drafting and getting them out to the different stations.

I think the department of the gulf to be a better chance than the Army of the Potomac… this is not the worst chance in the world White folks can live here as well as in Maine. I think it is a better climate if a person don’t have to work hard. Love to Albert. Yours as ever, Isaac.”

Excellent collectible. Solid letter home from the Colonel of the 15^th Maine. In protective sleeve.   [JP] [ph:L]

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