Soldier Letter Assignment for The Civil War

By: Abby Juarez

October 19, 1862 

Dearest Sawyer

Currently, I have been recruited to engage my way into Pennsylvania where my journey as a military man protecting my country has been continuous. I’ve missed you an intense amount my dear, for the stars above cannot beam as brightly as you do. The way your face lights up as soon as the peaches fall from St. Gertrude Orchid and I’d spend my afternoons brushing your face while reading against a tree. I enjoy my time serving the local government and military, but nothing would make me happier than to reunite with you once again. Through the traumas I have spent between the battles of Shiloh and Antietam, your aura and presence is the only thing that brings me tranquility. 

I genuinely want to discuss how the war has affected me not only physically but psychologically and emotionally as well. It began on The Battle Of Shiloh in April of this year when my commanding general Union General Ulysses Grant invaded Shiloh Tennessee. You see our intentions were that throughout the war, we will do our best but avoid getting our hands bloody. But as we observed and understood that it was the incorrect way of doing things, we did whatever it took to preserve the union. I was in the back corner and I had witnessed several of my soldier friends dying as the time consumed. However, we learned a new war tactic; fight dirty just as long as you have set your original intention. 

This leads us into the Battle of Antietam which although brings back painful memories, Lincoln had issued the proclamation. While in Maryland, General Robert E. Lee invaded on the 17th of september. I’d say it was one of the bloodiest days in American History as 23,000 casualties occured. This resulted in Union General George McGleen being relieved of command by Grant. However, the confederate army retreated back to the south. 

The war has gone on for way too long, causing millions of lives lost and money spent on military warfare weapons to increase. Although fighting for the slaves freedom and overall justification for them, it has been killing families, leaving homes without fathers, husbands or beloved friends and family members. This country is a democracy and there is a reason it is set apart from the others. We believe that all men are created equal and shouldn’t be treated as property when they are the same as us. We have our own lives to live, our values and motivations, beliefs, ideas and personas that makes us a diverse country and expand it with giving the slaves more freedom but stop the war immediately or more people will get injured. 

As far as my expectations go, hopefully we can still fight for what is right but take in other people’s lives into consideration as well. I’ve witnessed many deaths within the battlefield and have no time to grieve over them since we had to move quickly. I enjoy fighting for what is right but at the same time I want to consider each of the veterans that had their lives taken over the course of this war. Oh, how I long for you to be here. There is a fifty-to-fifty chance I may not return and if I don’t, I want to let you know that I love you more than anything else in this world.