May 19, 1864
Dear Wife,
A lot has happened since my last letter. War-wise, the Union has a new General now. But I don’t he’ll ever beat General Lee's expertise. God has given him to us to lead us to victory and nothing will change that.
We've been fighting very well recently. Most recently, at a battle called The Wilderness. Even though we were obviously outnumbered we did have an advantage in a country with thick vegetation. But I do have to say that the Yanks put up a good fight. The battle of The Wilderness was confusing and vicious. Oh darling how I hope you never have to witness what I have. You see, in the middle of the battle woods started catching fire, incinerating many wounded men. It was a horrifying sight. I don't know how I made it out alive. But I'm here now, thanks to God. But to continue with the tale, the high number of casualties suffered by the Army of the Potomac caused a retreat. But the same two armies met again near Spottsylvania. It wasn't until yesterday that the battle stopped, resulting in more deaths. The number of deaths war causes is just terrible. You can't even begin to understand. But we did beat the Federals again, but both sides suffered incredible losses. It's tragic really. But it's something that has to be done. To protect our way of life. I don't know when I'll be able to write again. But until then, just know that I love you.
Sincerely, James
We've been fighting very well recently. Most recently, at a battle called The Wilderness. Even though we were obviously outnumbered we did have an advantage in a country with thick vegetation. But I do have to say that the Yanks put up a good fight. The battle of The Wilderness was confusing and vicious. Oh darling how I hope you never have to witness what I have. You see, in the middle of the battle woods started catching fire, incinerating many wounded men. It was a horrifying sight. I don't know how I made it out alive. But I'm here now, thanks to God. But to continue with the tale, the high number of casualties suffered by the Army of the Potomac caused a retreat. But the same two armies met again near Spottsylvania. It wasn't until yesterday that the battle stopped, resulting in more deaths. The number of deaths war causes is just terrible. You can't even begin to understand. But we did beat the Federals again, but both sides suffered incredible losses. It's tragic really. But it's something that has to be done. To protect our way of life. I don't know when I'll be able to write again. But until then, just know that I love you.
Sincerely, James
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