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. In this letter—[dated “Head Quarters/ 15^th ME Vols. Aug 12/ 63”—3 pp. in ink on lined paper, 9.75 x 7.75”—exhibiting fold-marks, else VG}—Dyer writes about his spacious quarters and his chances of getting home that summer to see his wife, while attempting to cheer her low spirits. Excerpts as follow:

“Col. Murray has gone home on a furlough. So I am alone in my glory. Perhaps I ma6y get a chance some day. I have good quarters in a nice large two story house close by the river.

I am in hopes that I will be able to come home this fall but it will be uncertain. I want you and George to do the best you8 can and settle up all accounts you can. But I don’t to worry about matters at all. There is enough to pay all bills and something for a wet day. I want you to dress first rate and go where you please. I don’t think anybody will thank you for borrowing any trouble. Be cheerful, be courageous, be sparky.

Maj. Drew and Lady will call and see you so you must put the best of smiles that new dress that you are going to get for my benefit.

Well how does Master Albert and his dog Victor get along? Which gets tired first? How tall is Albert? Is he 8 years old this fall or 7? I have forgotten. I expect he is a great boy, and can read smart. Can’t he write me a letter?

Be a good girl and keep up the best of courage. I sold a horse for 300 the could not raise the money as he expected so I had to take him back. I hope to save something by my horses yet. I have been pretty lucky in that directions. Kisses for and Albert. Good bye…Isaac”

Excellent collectible. Fine letter home by the admirable colonel of the 15^th Maine. In protective sleevE.  [JP] [ph:L]

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