Dear parents, The war is near it's end and I have managed to survive. I have seen many die and many that I am close with as well. On January 31st, The U.S congress approved the 13th amendment to the United States Constitution to abolish slavery. Shortly after the amendment was submitted to the states for ratification. Also The last offensive for Lee's army of Northern Virginia began with an attack on the center of grants forces at Petersburg and 4 hours later the attack is broken. Sincerely, Orlin Kist