Though it is not fully clear, the writer is most likely Mary Diantha Dickerman, the youngest and only daughter of Samuel Dickerman and Mary Russell. Signing her name Diantha D., she is apparently writing to Edward, since she updates him on the lives of every other brother. Diantha notes that she is exhausted from washing (clothes?) all day, but expresses a desire to help Edward with his washing if it were possible. Diantha confirms that her brother Samuel was already mustered out and did not receive pay. (The muster role of the Massachusetts 6th Regiment of Volunteer Infantry Militia lists Samuel R. Dickerman, a resident of Pepperell, as enlisting in Company B on May 20, 1861, mustering in on June 19, 1861, and mustering out of his three month enlistment term on August 2, 1861. In December 1861, he reenlisted in Company G of the 6th New Hampshire Volunteer Infantry). She notes that Samuel met up with their brother Charles and his "nice little woman" in Boston. Diantha closes by passing on pleasantries from family and friends.
Read
