(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