Dexter Lord Letters

The Civil War Letters of Dexter Lord

Aboard the Steamer Empire City

1/2 past 1 o'clock

Steamer Empire City Dear Brother,

I am up this morning early as you see. I wish I could be at home with you, I am so lonesome since Amos died. I am deprived of all the comforts of life. There was never a Regt of men treated so hard as we Henry. Only yesterday we paid 5 cents for a canteen of water and had for all day (two) hard Bread was all I eat. Our Regt. and 4 Companies of the 25th are on board which makes 1200 men. And to night it rains and all the 25th Boys are on deck laying down in the wet and wind. Mind you, if I ever get out of this trap I will never sell myself again. The Officers are aft smoking, playing cards and we poor soldiers are suffering for the want of things. The water we have is condensed water from the Steam Boiler, we are going to Fortress Monroe. I have not been well since I came home. I shall be awful sick going down, for my part I can't see how they expect us to fight and treat us as they do. We have not received one cut of our pay and never shall. You will write me a letter and send it to Fortress Monroe, write immediately without delay. Tell Sister Lizzie to send me a word in your letter. You will look out for Father and see that they don't want for anything. Look out for all the children and tell Mother not to worry about me, for I will try and take care of myself and be a good Boy.

If ever I get back I shall know how to appreciate good living and also good treatment. I do not think as much of a soldier's life as I did before I came. You all are better off than I, but don't worry about me. Willie Brockway is with us in the Letters department. I suppose you know it. I saw Luke Comstock to night. Oh, I shall be so glad when we are oft this old ship and get the good air. Don't show Mother this letter. We can't get on shore, or anywhere else to get any thing. By the way, I did not have time in N.Y. to get the Photograph taken, and I will tell you what you can do if you want my Picture in life size. You will get me an ambrotype of Miss Sarah Morley and have one taken from it and return the ambrotype to her again and have two or three taken. Write to me and I will send the money to pay for them. I must close.

Give my love to all and a kiss for Lizzie,

Good Bye

Yours Affect'ly

Brother Dexter

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Updated February 16, 2001

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The Civil War Letters of Dexter Lord

Aboard the Steamer Empire City

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