Letter home 1863

My dear Sally,
I hope that everything is well on the plantation and the negros are behaved. I heard that there was an uprising in the Johnson’s plantation next door. The Battle of Gettysburg was so bloody and I was very scared for my men but over half of them made it out alive which is more than I can say for many other troops. Sally, some troops not one person made it out alive. It’s like the troop completely vanished. I checked up on both of our sons are well. Jefferson got grazed by a bullet right at his ear but only a little piece is missing. Ganger made it out completely unharmed. We are truly so blessed. Again I hope everything is well and the negros aren’t getting any ideas from the Johnson’s slaves. Maybe you should have our overseer Jim show them a little example of what happens when they want to act like whites. Alright well I have to get going.
Your husband,
Fitzhugh Johnston Pettigrew

Chancellorsville

May 10, 1963

Dear Rose,        
         I’m sorry I haven’t written in a while. I’ve been writing to father too and time seems to be slipping farther and farther away. But do know that I think of you and our little boy every night and every day. Now I’m going to move on to wars. Well I’ve been very occupied these last few days. The Confederacy was fighting a very important battle. And thank God with all of our hard work and prayers we won. This win was very important. We needed a big win. And the Rebel forces struck boldly at the Union troops. They were guided by General Joseph Hooker. I hadn’t heard about him until this week but I’m pretty sure I won’t forget him after these past four days. By the way we are at Chancellorsville, Virginia right now, we’ll start moving again really soon. Probably by the time I’m done writing this letter. So when this letter reaches you just now I’ve been moved. Also something really important. You see darling we achieved success during this battle, and we couldn’t be more grateful, but our victory cane at a great cause. We sadly lost General Stonewall Jackson. One of the best Generals the confederacy has had. He was mistakenly shot by one of his own men. Oh poor guy. I can only imagine how he must feel. But Jackson didn’t die in the moment. That was probably very painful. He died 8 days later of pneumonia. May he Rest In Peace. He was a good man. He will always be remembered. Oh well Rose, it seems like I’ve ran out of time but just know that I love you and this will all be over soon.
      Sincerely,
      James

ταχυδρομεί to My Family

Dear Family,



                   It's been difficult...









                     I'm sorry...



                       



                   I love you.


                                             
                         Love,

                         George

(1863) почта to My Wife

 July, 1863

Dear Millicent,

           I'm sorry I haven't written in a while. I've just been feeling really....sick lately. I don't know.
It's just... hard, so very hard. There was a battle last week at Gettysburg and we lost many casualties; Too many, in fact. Carcasses were spread on the battlefield like carpets and blood soaked the grass and gave the water a disgusting, red tinge. I don't know what to do anymore except for taking orders and I don't even know if I should take orders from Lee anymore. Almost all of my men are dead. I have only about 67 men fit to fight left. I'm tired and want to go home, dear Millicent. I cannot bear all of this death and blood and murder any longer. Slavery or not, this is madness and I feel like I am losing my mind. The smell of rotting flesh and dried blood, along with the sweat and tears of thousands of praying soldiers has permanently been branded into my mind and I hate it. It's bad enough that the Emancipation Proclamation had to be signed against us, taking away our slaves so we have to work in secret. This country is tyranny, and the North and their Lincoln are goddamn degenerate mongrels and malcontents! From the Union victory at Chattanooga to the Confederate victory at Chancellorsville, I thought this silly war was going to be over TWO YEARS AGO.

         Lincoln is wrong. There is nothing to be thankful for now. This country is bleeding and ripping apart. How could anyone be thankful?!

Please, my love, I wish to ask you one thing. Please hide this letter from my father. He expects so much of me as a Major in the army. He will think I'm going crazy... maybe I am going crazy? I just can't focus at all and I'm scared of my impending death. I may never see you again, and at this point, I'm not even sure if we are going to win. I'm sorry you have to see me this way, Millicent; I just... need to sleep since I haven't been sleeping well lately. Tell my mother that I send my greetings and tell Jon and Rose to behave and that I love them very much. Good luck Milly. I love you with all my heart. 💗

                           Your loving husband,

                                     George

PS. Here is a picture of me and the men preparing for battle. Just something to remember me. I am the one on horseback.

1863 Letter to Parents

Dear Parents,

At the time I am writing to you, is 1863. This year has been a very eventful one. During the year, we had one rough battle. Our confederate armies were captured in Vicksburg.  I fortunately made it out of that tragic event.  This  gave them complete control over the Mississippi river! But I continue to push forward through this battle with max effort.

Sincerely,

             Orlin

Trading Cards

An Ode to McClellan

(1862) Post to my Father

(September 1862)💀

Greetings Father,

         I hope you're feeling better. I heard from Milicent that you had a case of the coughing flu and wanted to make sure you are okay. I'm sending you a supply of syrup and tobacco to treat your sickness. I know you have been worried, both you and mother. Unfortunately, this war is a lot longer than I thought it would be so I may not be able to come home for Christmas.

        On a new note, I am sorry to say that we did not win the battle at Shiloh. My regiment and I fought as hard as we could, our confederate courage burning inside of us. Unfortunately, I lost 15 men in my regiment out of the 23,000 casualties on the battlefield. Already winning the battles at Ft. Henry and Donelson, I'm wondering on where the score is now between the North and South. Meanwhile, on the coast of Hampton Road, word has spread about the naval battle between the Union Iron Giant, Monitor and the Confederate Iron Giant, Virginia. There was a two-hour long battle between the ships but even with the newest technology in naval warfare, no side has won.

        Oh, wait! Almost forgot. We had another battle at Bull Run a fortnight ago and I have never been so proud of my regiment! They fought hard and we had no casualties in my group, but alas, instead many amputations were made. Such as young Apollo Dickens; who lost an arm fighting against a Union soldier. At the beginning of the fight, a rebellious cry rang through the valley; the unbroken chorus of pulchritudinous keys was so beautiful it brought tears to my eyes, fear to the soldiers, and the attention of the Union below. We defeated General Pope's army and ruined his reputation which is something I know would make you happy, father. We were led by old 'Stonewall' himself. His Shenandoah Campaign has truly been one of our greatest victories yet! I've never seen so many happy men with a new pair of shoes and fresh food. Of course, to earn those supplies we had to walk 350 miles and fight 3 Union armies to earn those supplies but it was worth it in the end. I am proud to have him as our general. McClellan? Not so much. He's been losing left and right and the Seven Days Battle really ruined his career. Not that I'm complaining though. He really is a secret weapon, isn't he? A weapon for the Confederacy! He's helping us win, so I say he doesn't get fired. I'm not too sure what happened at that battle, but whatever happened, it must have been bad enough to get McClellan fired.

       Give mother my salutations and tell Milicent, Jon, and Rose that I love them. Good night, father.


      My respects,

         Georgie

April 8, 1862

Dear Rose,                                                                                                            
     
 It’s been a while since I last wrote, and please forgive me, for I have been busy.  Yesterday I witnessed one of the worst scenes I’ve ever seen. I’m afraid that God’s plans did not include the Confederacy’s victory. There are times where you win and times when you loose. But if only I knew losing would come at such a great cost, dragging lives with it to pay the price. 23,000 to be exact, that’s how many people went  to the other world yesterday. God knows what’s going to become of us when we leave this place. I just wanted to let you know that I am fine physically although I can’t say the same for my mental health. Oh darling you can’t even begin to imagine the monstrosity my eyes endured yeasterday. I heard a fellow soldier, Corporal William Matthews is his name. He was talking about how it was one of the bloodiest battles we’ve witnessed as a nation. I just thank God that I made it out alive. I saw this one Yankee mercilessly shoot a friend in the head. The last thing I remember before I blanked out is seeing his eyes pleading, begging me for help. Asking for me to do something. That image keep repeating in my head. It follows me in my dreams. I’ve seen plenty of death, more than any man should witness at my age. But for some reason those eyes follow me. They  remind me that we have to win this war. I won’t forget why I’m fighting this war, because  slavery is a necessary evil. I’m doing this to defend our way of life. And I don’t mean to scare you when I’m telling you this. It’s just to remind you of our cause, and to let you know of how I’m doing. I imagine you must be worried. But don’t worry, I’ll come back home to you and my little boy. I love y’all and I’m doing this for y’all, for us.
       Yours truly,
        James

Letter to family

Salutations Family, Everything is going very well. Preparation for the war is going excellent. Training is hard but I continue to do my best.

Sincerely,

Orlin Kist

Letter to Parents

Dear Parents,

The Union is a tough opponent. The battles have been rough but we have been pushing through. The morning routine has stayed the same as before. We must be prepared at all times for an attack now. I have seen many die on the battle field and it scars me and has me worried about myself but I continue to fight to my best abilities against the Union.

Sincerely, 

 Orlin Kist

My Thoughts On The North Taking Our Lively Hood Away!

This war has been going on for too long! Why can’t the North just accept our way of life and leave us alone. Slavery is really important. It has helped build our economy and if we took it away now, the economy would CRASH! Also, negros are not smart enough and too inferior to whites to be able to survive in the real world. They would just straight up die if we let them live withought our supervision. The north just needs to leave us alone and stop taking our lively hood and that’s my opinion!

A Homesick Carta to Jonathaniel and Rose-Claree:

Good morning Jon and Rose,

        I hope you and your mother are enjoying yourselves at home. I do wish terribly to return home soon. But somebody has to stand up to the big, bad Yankees, and that would be me and our savior, General Lee. I may not be here now, but I promise when I return we will have such fun frolicking in the park, riding horses, and eating your mother's delicious cream pies. I wanted to let you two know that I love you so much and very proud of you. Take care of yourselves and good to Mommy and Grandpa. I've also sent a photograph of me and the boys preparing for battle. Stay out of trouble.

           With love,
     
              Daddy💙

(1861) Snail Mail to my Wife

(December 1861)

Dearest Millicent,

             It has been nearly two fortnights since my departure at Richmond, and it has been very difficult for us here. Granted, my position as Major has given me privileges to better housing condition and supplies than most of the other soldiers. But nevertheless, war is a scary time for young soldiers, especially new recruits. We lost a few casualties today. A shame it is, and this war has just begun. There was a riot in Baltimore City that led to multiple attacks since we were marching to DC until interrupted by Yankees.

           On the bright note, the Confederacy has had a lovely lunch, thank you. As we fought the Union at Bull Run we noticed a picnic nearby and our soldiers were famished. So, after our victory at Bull Run, we raided the area for our well-deserved reward. I recently heard from another soldier that a man by the name of George McClellan became the new military chief-general for the North. He has an excellent reputation there, known for making some POTATO army or whatever it was. However, he's not my main concern. We are already winning after all and nothing can stop us now!

          On the down note, now we have more tax to worry about than paying for goods. My wages are taxed as well! Think about it, my money given to some filthy, tyrannical government to pay for the North supplies in the war! I am enraged! But there is so need to engage in such a diatribe at this moment. I wish you all in good health, especially my father (I heard he wasn't doing too well.) Tell the children I love them and will be coming home for Christmas.

            With love,
                 
                   George

Vocab for Glossary Quiz #4

https://quizlet.com/_6i1jh5

The Truth About Slavery (image)

Battle Of Bull Run Poem

Civil War Haiku

We fought very hard

At the Battle of Bull Run

There were lots of deaths

Letter to Home

Greetings,

I miss you already. Preparation for the war has been tough but I continue to push through the pain. I think the training has prepared me well for battle. Our daily routine is rough. We wake up early but the cooks wake up even earlier. The bugle sounds at 5 o’clock in the morning to wake up the cooks to make us breakfast. After breakfast, the drums roll for 10 minutes and at the end of that time we must be fully dressed and roll is taken. The clothes that we were given to us consisted one pair of pants, two shirts, two draws of socks, a coat, and a cap. I expect to return home in later months.

Sincerely,

Orlin

1861 Letter Home

 July 21, 1861

Dear Rose,

               Thank you for keeping in touch. You don’t understand how hard it has been to be so far away from home, from you and my son.. But we’re doing this for a good cause, one that is paying off. And moments like the ones that occurred yesterday help keep me going. Oh darling I have such good news. You see, yesterday we fought our first major pitched battle at Bull Run. And with God’s help we came out victorious. It was then when it hit me, any of these days could easily be my last. But I’m still here and something in me feels God’s presence. No need to worry honey, I promise you that God will guide me back home. He won’t leave me alone. Well now to give you a bit more information, we were 30 miles from Washington, D.C. and mid battle I noticed that it wasn’t just soldiers in the place. There were some picknicking civilians who were now panicking. Well after we proved to be better than the Yanks and defeated them, there was a whole area set up for us to eat. We could not let such good food go to waste. We were  able to eat the food left behind by the civilians as they did what anyone who isn’t prepared for such a situation would do, panicked and ran away. It was only fitting for us to take the civilians place. Let’s just say we had a really good lunch. My love, when I come back home remind me to take you and our son out and have a picnic. They’re honestly really enjoyable. Well this letter will do for now.

         Sincerely,                                                                                                                                                            James

     

Sweet Sweet Victory

My fellow men and I contently march across Bull Run creek back to camp after defeating the Union at Manassas. Although today was unexpected, it certainly raised spirits among the regiments. As I finally arrive at my tent after having fought a treacherous battle, I hear my stomach growl. I take my cap off as I collapse on my makeshift bed and remember Sally's homemade beef stew and her assortment of savory pound cakes. I tried to clasp the memory of when we used to eat together, but the memory was so remote it seemed to be but a dream. As I fall in and out of my daze, I hear grunts and heavy footsteps approaching the entrance of my tent. I hurriedly grab my cap and pistol as the shadow of a stranger drew closer to my tent. The large shadow was now directly outside my tent. "William is that you?" I exclaimed. The mysterious shadow gave no response. I decided it was best to see who was the stranger standing outside my tent. As I drew nearer to the opening of my tent, I felt my heart pound faster with each step I took. I peered outside and discovered a lonesome horse. " Why you half scared me to death," said I gazing at the horse.
 "MATTHEWS!" exclaimed a familiar voice behind me.
 "My, Captain Longstreet how pleasant it is to be in your presence this evening," I responded.
 "Sorry for scaring you back there, but I was to inform you that there's a large feast being served to-night. I thought you of all men would like to have some dinner after today's victory,". Just as I was about to answer, my stomach gave a loud growl.
 "I would gladly accept your invitation, but I have to write a letter to my dear sister before sunset," I blurted.
 " I thought you might say that," said Captain Longstreet as he pulled out a large piece of pound cake.
 "Ah, thank you Captain, I am in your debt,".
 "Nonsense, here take it,"
 As I wave goodbye to Captain Longstreet, I remember my dear Sally's delicious pound cake recipe. I walk into my tent and let the aroma of the cake fill the space. I sit on my bed and softly bite into my cake. Each bite of the cake was a little slice of heaven. I finish writing Sally's letter, now filled with crumbles of pound cake as the sun set and the last few sunrays faded into the night sky. 

Letter to my Home

My Dear family,
So far, this journey in the army has truly been amazing. I really enjoy my fellow soldiers and everything is great. I thought I would inform  you of how my days go by. First I wake up and get dressed. We then have roll call which takes a while to get used to. We usually have drills in the morning and then practice for battle in the afternoon. In between those, we usually do chores and eat our meal in between the two. If we have some free time, we usually play cards or drink a little bit. When all of the practice is done we have our small supper and play some cards. Some people have guard duty during the night but since I haven’t had that job yet, I head back to my tent for a short nights sleep. I hope everything is well back home.
Yours truly
Lieutenant-colonel Fitzhugh Johnston Pettigrew

Snail Mail to My Father

      Background Information: The narrator of this letter is Major George Otott IV. George has a wife named Millicent Milburn (age 33), two children, and his father named George Otott III. They are waiting for him to return home, but still, ant George to serve proudly for the Confederacy.


  Greetings father,

I know that it has been a while since I wrote, but as an appointed major in the Confederacy, I was far too busy attending to General Lee's orders and preparing for the War. Alas, we have not been doing so well I'm afraid, for Lincoln has created an army of 75,000 men, volunteering for the War. The South is at a disadvantage because of its population and we worry the North may overtake us with their increasing casualties. Fear not, however! The South is already in the lead from our victory at Fort Sumter so clearly, we have God on our side. The border states, however, are just as unhappy as we are and hold immense hate for Lincoln, yet they remain in that tyrannical, poor excuse of a country. (Honestly, why have they not succeeded already?) Unfortunately, while I am honored to serve the country I love, I can't help but miss home. How are Millicent and the children may I ask? I do miss them so. Poor Millicent, the slaves are busy caring for you and the children so she has nothing to do but wait for her dashing and heroic husband to return home from the line of duty. 

I wish you all in good health and pray to return home soon when the victory parade comes through town and I will meet you all once again. 

I will not let you down father, please send Millicent and the children my love. 💕

                                     Kind regards,

                                           Georgie

Long way From Home

(Background Information: The narrator of this letter is Captain St. Julian Longstreet. James has a wife named Rose Lewis, age 25, and a baby son who are waiting for his return home after the Civil War.)

My beloved Rose, 

I don't know when this letter will get to you, but I'm writing it to let you know that I'm fine. I'm a long way from home. To this day God has helped me every step of the way, and I have been able to get through this war. It hasn't been easy though. For God puts these challenges ahead of us to measure our strength. A young man that belonged to our regiment got shot yesterday evening by a Yank, and died this evening. It was a frightening thing to see. Little did he know that when he was given that chloroform he was not going to wake up. He attended church here with me but I didn't know him too well. Although I have met several acquaintances here who are part of the cavalry, young men who I knew back in Virginia. Some other news is that I have had my uniform made, it fits me very well. I was also given my cartridge box. And I had my photograph taken today, which I will try to convey to you before I leave. I had it taken that my baby—if I should never return, may have some idea of my appearance. You see life in war isn't the fanciest and definitely not something to envy. What will become of us after we leave this place I can not say. I still don't know where we're headed to next but I will write to you from every station. Please take care of yourself. I can render you no assistance or comfort. I can not be with you for many long days. I am here separated from all I love, far away from them with no hope of soon returning. But put everything in God's hands and he can do no wrong. Just remember that I love you. Good bye darling, please write back and kiss my little boy for me.

Yours affectionately & devotedly,
James

Home Sweet Home

(Background Information: The narrator of this letter is soldier William Matthews. William has a younger sister named Sally, age 16, who is waiting for his return home after the Civil War.)

Dear Sally,

I hope you find yourself in good health, for as the men who surround me are not. Day after day, I see comrades die before me, mostly from disease and infections. I am currently writing to you from my nightmarish tent which I call home. Oh, the things one sees in battle can change a man forevermore.  I am to sleep among my dying companions and hear them moan and cry from their pain. Yesterday morning, I woke up to the yells of a man beside me who was getting his infected leg amputated. One would think the quick operation was successful, but sadly enough he passed away minutes after he was put to rest with Chloroform. During his last breaths, I could faintly hear his whispered prayers beckoning upon heaven or hell to let him in. Oh, sister, one has not seen hell until they have gone to war. I quickly got ready for role call and rushed out of my tent. The hundreds of men who remained stood tall, or tried to, waiting to be assigned their tasks of the day. I was assigned, along with other men, to assist and prepare meals for the day. It had been days since anyone, including the generals, had consumed. I gathered the few rations that were available and commenced my simple duty. In what seemed to be a hell hole, now become a sweet home for the longing, homesick, and broken hearts of the soldiers. The cheerful crackling of the fire brought joy to the faces of many. I prepared the broth you used to make for father when he got ill. Although my soup was not as exquisite as yours, it filled the empty stomachs and weary souls of the regiment.

P.S. I can't wait to return home.

Sincerely,

William