(1864) رسالة to my mother

August 31, 1864

Good morning mother,

       Or...I it's morning where I am anyway. I know I haven't written in a while but I have just been so busy fighting against the North to write anything else besides news and current events. I know you have been anxious. At my camp, one of the most annoying parts of the day is meal time. We have barely any food left due to a cutoff of supplies and the food we do have is old, hard, and bitter. Hardtack is almost impossible to eat! The name itself is very appropriate for it. Our meals mainly consist of dry, salted pork and state bread but once in a while a sutler will appear and sell goodies for prices as low as 15 cents! Two weeks ago, I bought the best apple pie that has ever touched my lips. I sent you the recipe in the envelope so that when I return home, we can all have this as a treat for the entire family; and maybe make some for the negroes too.

      I'm sure you have heard of McClellan's dismiss. In March, Ulysses Grant is the new Union Head General instead. Although I am in the Confederacy I must say, firing McClellan was a good decision, although I'm not sure if Grant was the best replacement. After all, he was only a Lieutenant General beforehand and is still fighting in the POTATOE Army. Nevertheless, I do not care for the Union's decisions. I have a duty to fulfill and Grant has nothing to do with it. On the other hand, presidential elections are coming up and McClellan was been chosen to run against Lincoln, but to be honest a chimp has a better chance of winning than he does. McClellan does not stand a chance and Lincoln will be president once again. Nevermind that though; I just want to be with you and father, Milly, and the kids. All eating warm apple pie in the garden.

                Kind regards,

                   Georgie
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5 green apples (peeled and sliced)

1 teaspoon nutmeg

1 teaspoon cinnamon

1 cup molasses

Line pan with uncooked pie crust, fill the pie with sliced apples, add nutmeg, cinnamon, and molasses. Cover with lattice and bake at 350 degrees for 1 hour, 15 minutes. Let cool and serve