“Never enlist if you don’t want to be sorry all the days of your life after”

Camp Convalescent, Alexandria VA

Sunday June 28, 1863 [Dear Brother]

Dear Brother,

I am well at present and hope these few lines will find you all the same at home. Hearing that you was in Utica, I expected to get a letter from but have not yet got one. I should of wrote one long ago if I had known where your address was. This is the only reason why I have not written to you before.

How much I have suffered since I have been a soldier, I hope never to go through with again. I refrain from writing home everything in the hardships we endure, for I don’t want them to worry of a trouble I have brought on myself, so I don’t write all to make them feel bad. Although, I have received some honors since I have been here. I was promoted to a Sergt. last winter from the ranks. Even that Office is looked up to here in the army as a big thing. We have nearly as much authority as a commissioned officer, and the men are in duty bound to obey us as much. It relieves me from all guard and fatigue duty as well as many other things.

I hope this will find you well and enjoying yourself, and take my advice, never enlist if you don’t want to be sorry all the days of your life after. I have not one half the strength I had when I enlisted although I look hearty and well and feel so at present. I hope you will answer this as soon as you get it and let me hear from you. Give my love to father and mother and all enquiring friends.

You affectionate brother,

Sergt. Peter L. Dumont