Dearest Father, the Civil War Letters of Lt. Frank Dickerson, a Son of Belfast, Maine |
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Dearest Father, the Civil War Letters of Lt. Frank Dickerson, a Son of Belfast, Maine
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by Frank Dickerson and H. Draper Hunt
Sales Rank: 2040929
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$5.58
At Amazon
on 6-19-2008.
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Features
Cover Type: Paperback with 216 pages
Published by: North Country Press ME October 1992
Written in: English
ISBN 10 Number: 0945980361
ISBN 13 Number: 978-0945980360
Book Dimensions:
9.2 x 6 x 0.8 inches
Weighs: 13.6 ounces
Reader Reviews
Lt. Frank Dickerson (FD) was only 21 when he left his home to be a soldier for the Union army. From the evidence of his letters, he was a devoted son and a dedicated soldier until his death at age 24. The book is a compilation letters to his father, the Judge Jonathan Dickerson, during his conscription in the Union army. Also included in the book is a forward, preface, and epilogue. Between the letters the editor/narrator, H. Draper Hunt, provides historical insights to assist the reader in understanding some of the events the lieutenant describes (and some he doesn't). It is this reader's opinion that the narrator's comments, while helpful, interfere with the emotional message of the letters. The style and content of the FD's letters gives the reader a glimpse of the love between the father and son. While the term "dearest" (as in the title) is not present in many greetings, the word affectionate (or an abbreviation for it) is included in almost all closings. It was a secure love; FD was not uncomfortable with the distance between his postings and home, but longed for communication. He often scolds his father for not writing more frequently, but he understands the difference between love that demands presence and one that doesn't. His thoughts on the difference are explained, "You know very well I would like to see you [and you me] but it is impossible, and we don't make a fuss over it (p169)." FD's initial communications with his father describe a confidence of mission, "The country needs the services of all its sons more now than ever.... (p21)." One knows from the narrator's comments, that the father encouraged such a conception in the son. FD's initial descriptions and discussions of battle were naïve. While the Union soldiers were victorious, his misunderstanding of the Confederate position was shocking. He expressed moral superiority over the enemy because they didn't stick around to bury their dead, "the barbarous unhuman wretches left hundreds of their dead on the field and...effect[ed] their escape (p28)." One wonders what he thought would have happened had his enemy had not escaped. His understanding of the war and situation matures over time, but his thoughts of superiority over southerners never changes, "...the Tennessee people...are the most illiterate, and shiftless class of people I have yet fell in with... (p181)." FD's opportunities to witness events are impressive; even in the supporting roles he plays. This reader finds his description of differences between General Meade's and Grant's entourages particularly amusing. While FD doesn't discuss his opinion on the differences, it's clear he respects General Grant. Even in the early letters, FD hauntingly mentions his own health, "my health is better....(p20)." His protestations of good (and better) health lead the reader along until his tragic death. By his last letter, he is finally convinced that his illness will result in military discharge, "It will probably be impossible for me to remain in the army...on account solely of poor health (p182)." The narrator then describes the "race with death to Belfast." Sadly, the reader is told that he dies in his fathers arms in Boston harbor - never reaching his home in Belfast. The mystery of what illness FD had was kept from the reader until the end. Consumption (tuberculosis) was the cause. Just as in Puccini's opera, La Bohème, the primary character dies slowly, coughing and loving. After reading all the letters, this reader is left viewing the loss through the eyes of the father. What loss and grief he must have felt from the death of his courageous and loving son.
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Dearest Father, the Civil War Letters of Lt. Frank Dickerson, a Son of Belfast, Maine
Available from Amazon
Price: $5.58
Updated on 6-19-2008.
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