1865 Civil War Letter by 8th Illinois Surgeon Re Death of 46th Illinois Officer
An interesting November 1865 letter written by Surgeon Charles N. Dennison of the 8th Illinois Infantry. Dennison was traveling aboard the steamer White Rose (USS Siren) to New Orleans, where his regiment was then stationed. Rebel armies had surrendered months earlier, but northern troops still garrisoned southern cities.
Dennison, however, was not very particular whether we are mustered out or not, adding that he couldnt endure the cold winds of the north during the winter. He then related the unfortunate news that Lieutenant Louis Butler of the 46th Illinois had died (on October 5).
The 46th Illinois men tried to send his body home but they would not let the detail of men proceed with it and he was buried at New Orleans. When Dennison heard the news he could not believe it to be so, but alas it was too true, adding that Butler was a good soldier and a gentleman. The letter was written on four pages of a 5 x 8 bifolium sheet.It is in very good condition with light foxing and toning. I take this favorable opportunity of answering your kind letter I received several weeks since. It is so seldom I write these days. I have most forgotten how I do not receive a letter once a month and do not write any how.
I cannot endure the cold winds of the north. I would like to know how you are getting along. I have not heard from Winfield for several months. I do not [know] what is the reason he does not write. I suppose he has been engaged in farming this summer.Willmore he never thinks of me any more. I should think he might write me once a year. I have to write some news which will be sad to Mr. He died some time since.
I stopped a few moments where one of the companies of the 46 Ill. Are camped and they told me of the sad news. They tried to send his body home but they would not let the detail of men proceed with it and he was buried at New Orleans. This will be sad news to his parents. Lewis was a good soldier and a gentleman. I miss him very much. When I first heard it I could not believe it could be so, but alas it was too true. It doesnt seem as if I could endure the winter in that climate but I suppose I could. You must give my respects to all and tell Gaithers I dont [think] he will see me [at my] house this winter. I must close hoping you are enjoying the comforts of life. Please see my other items for more interesting Civil War letters, documents, and images. The item "1865 Civil War Letter by 8th Illinois Surgeon Re Death of 46th Illinois Officer" is in sale since Wednesday, October 23, 2019. This item is in the category "Collectibles\Militaria\Civil War (1861-65)\Original Period Items\Correspondence, Mail". The seller is "iron-horse-sales" and is located in Champaign, Illinois. This item can be shipped to United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Denmark, Romania, Slovakia, Bulgaria, Czech republic, Finland, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Estonia, Australia, Greece, Portugal, Cyprus, Slovenia, Japan, China, Sweden, South Korea, Indonesia, Taiwan, South africa, Thailand, Belgium, France, Hong Kong, Ireland, Netherlands, Poland, Spain, Italy, Germany, Austria, Bahamas, Israel, Mexico, New Zealand, Philippines, Singapore, Switzerland, Norway, Saudi arabia, Ukraine, United arab emirates, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, Croatia, Malaysia, Chile, Colombia, Costa rica, Dominican republic, Panama, Trinidad and tobago, Guatemala, El salvador, Honduras, Jamaica, Antigua and barbuda, Aruba, Belize, Dominica, Grenada, Saint kitts and nevis, Saint lucia, Montserrat, Turks and caicos islands, Barbados, Bangladesh, Bermuda, Brunei darussalam, Bolivia, Egypt, French guiana, Guernsey, Gibraltar, Guadeloupe, Iceland, Jersey, Jordan, Cambodia, Cayman islands, Liechtenstein, Sri lanka, Luxembourg, Monaco, Macao, Martinique, Maldives, Nicaragua, Oman, Pakistan, Paraguay, Reunion, Uruguay, Russian federation.