The following letter was written by Dallas Fraker Paul (1845-1889) who enlisted on 6 August 1862 when he was 18 years old to serve three years in the 115th New York Infantry. He mustered in as a musician in Co. G on 20 August 1862 and in less than a month he was taken prisoner with most of his regiment when they were surrendered to Stonewall Jackson’s army at Harper’s Ferry. Like his comrades he was paroled and sent to Camp Douglass in Chicago to await his exchange. Dallas survived the war. He mustered out with his company on 17 June 1865 at Raleigh, North Carolina.

Dallas was the son of Philip Paul (1821-1856) and Catherine Baker (1821-1850) of Saratoga county, New York. He wrote the letter to his younger (17 year-old) brother, Addison Seymour Paul (1847-1934) who was recruited into Co. D, 95th New York Infantry. At the time this letter was written in late November 1864, the 95th N. Y. was serving in the 5th Army Corps while the 115th N. Y. was serving in the 10th Army Corps. Dallas’ letter describes returning from a visit to visit his brother during the Siege of Petersburg.

T R A N S C R I P T I O N

Camp 115th Regt. N. Y. Vols.

November 22nd 1864

Dear Brother! As you wanted me to write to you as soon as I got back, I will write a few lines to tell you what a time I had coming back. I went to City Point on the cars. I then waited until 3 p.m. before the boat started & it was dark when I got to Aiken’s Landing. I then started through the mud for our camp. I went about 3 miles in the dark & got lost & off the road so I did not know where I was. But at last I came out in the 18th Corps & stayed all night with a fellow in a Battery. He gave me a good supper & breakfast & a good bed to lie on. I got up this morning & came to the regiment. I was very wet & muddy when I got here but I don’t care for that as long as I had a good visit.

Everything is quiet here & no signs of a move. The 9th Corps that came over here only came to Bermuda Hundred to help hold that place as the Rebels have tried to get our works. There was only a few new regiments there and I guess they were a little careless. The rebels charged and took a part of the picket line & about 50 men. There was only a part of the 9th Corps came over.

I got a good dinner at City Point. I had an oyster stew and fruit cake, &c. I wish you could have got a pass & went down there with me for we would had a good time. I have not seen Andrew this morning but I guess he is all right. I returned my pass to the Captain this morning & he said he did not expect me back as quick as I was as long as the weather was so bad.

I do not think of anymore to write this morning so goodbye & write often. From your affectionate brother, — Dallas F. Paul

Co. G, 115th Regt., New York Cols., 2nd Brigade, 2nd Division, 10th Corps.