Item No. 4888888

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 couldn’t “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. Creased where originally folded. The letter reads:

On Board White Rose
Nov 3d 1865

Dear Sister,
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 am on my way to New Orleans and would feel very much better if I was on my way home but I expect we are expected to remain in this country this winter and I am not very particular whether we are mustered out or not. I cannot endure the cold winds of the north. If I am mustered out I will take up my abode in this country as the climate agrees with me and I can make more money than in 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. Butler’s family. Lewis Butler is dead. 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. Ellen I imagine you are having winter in good earnest in old Connecticut while I am enjoying a nice temperate climate. It doesn’t seem as if I could endure the winter in that climate but I suppose I could. In time we shall. You must give my respects to all and tell Gaithers I don’t [think] he will see me [at my] house this winter. I must close hoping you are enjoying the comforts of life.

I am as ever
Your Affectionate
Brother C. N. Dennison
Surgeon 8th Ill.