Dear Sun Spots: During the Civil War, there was a family in Lewiston with the last name of Besse. Three sons of the family joined the Union army.

Lyman Besse went into the 7th Maine Infantry and died of a gunshot wound in battle. In a letter from Lyman, his father is also mentioned participating in the same battle. The other sons, George and William, joined the 1st Maine Cavalry where George died in battle.

Both Lyman and George are named on the Civil War monument in Kennedy Park.

I have both Lyman’s and George’s last letters written home to their mother just days before each were killed. I would be grateful for any information on this family, hopefully from a local descendant.

Thank you. I may be reached at 26 Acadia Ave., Lewiston, ME 04240 or by phone at 783-6336. Thank you. – Glenn Gagne, Lewiston.

Answer: In addition to responses from readers, Sun Spots wonders if you’ve also checked in with the Androscoggin Historical Society. Michael Lord might be able to assist you here and may be reached at 784-0586, Wednesday to Friday from 9 a.m. to noon, and 1 to 5 p.m. (4 p.m. Fridays).

For more on the Civil War, you might also consider checking with the: Maine State Archives, State House Station 84 Augusta, ME 04333-0084, 287-5795, Maine Historical Society, 489 Congress St., Portland, ME 04101, 774-1822, e-mail [email protected] or Web site at www.mainehistory.org.

Dear Sun Spots: Again, a big thank you for helping me locate the movie, “Christmas on Division Street,” starring Fred Savage! Also, a very special thank you to that nice lady Trina for letting me have a copy of it. She made my day! You are wonderful. – P.T., of Lewiston.

Dear Sun Spots: So great that you are here for us.

I need to find out where I could buy a bag of shredded toy money for a joke gift. I may be reached at 353-4972. Thanks for any help. – No Name, No Town.

Answer: In addition to responses from readers, Sun Spots located some online at eBay that might be of interest. Or another Internet possibility is checking out www.prankplace.com.

Dear Sun Spots: We enjoy your column every day. Do keep it going. We get very good ideas. Now for mine! We had clothes stored with moth balls and have washed them. But the smell is still there. How do we get rid of the smell? Maybe some will reply with some tips for us. Thank you. – L.C., No Town.

Answer: In addition to responses from readers, several Web sites note you’re better off using more natural products which would not be so toxic to any pets or children in your home. Among them would be cedar chips when possible, or choose natural scents like lavender, mint, and rosemary, which are natural moth repellents.

Dear Sun Spots: We are looking for adult volunteers (16 years or older) to help our residents play bingo on Tuesdays at 6:15 p.m. and Saturdays at 1:30 p.m. Please come in and fill out an application. Thank you. We are located at 440 Minot Ave., Auburn, 784-3573. – Clover Health Care, Auburn.

This column is for you, our readers. It is for your questions and comments. There are only two rules: You must write to the column and sign your name (we won’t use it if you ask us not to). Letters will not be returned or answered by mail, and telephone calls will not be accepted. Your letters will appear as quickly as space allows. Address them to Sun Spots, P.O. Box 4400, Lewiston, ME 04243-4400. Inquiries can also be posted at www.sunjournal.com in the Advice section under Opinion on the left-hand corner of your computer screen. In addition, you can e-mail your inquiries to [email protected].