Letters Home
In a moment of homesickness, I wrote to a childhood friend today.
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August 24, 1862
Dear Jenny,
I saw a man today who reminded me of your father. How are you and your family? Is everyone still alive and well? I'm writing to tell you what has happened to us after the fire. You must think the worst by now; it's been so long since we spoke and saw one another. I can recall when your grandpa called us his little rag dolls; after the time we got muddy in the creek, and I tore my dress sleeve.
Much time has changed since then. I serve as a nurse in the 37th infantry. David and I were both adopted by a distant relative named Michael. He's an excellent surgeon and a loving Papa. He and my now fiancé trained me to be a field nurse. You'd like Ross. He is shy, but he makes me happy. David is doing well, but the war brings him many nightmares, which none of us is immune to.
Have you ever heard the Rebel Yell? Our soldiers use the yell when charging to boost morale and intimidate the enemy, among many other uses. I liken it to the scream of a cougar. It reminds me of us as kids, loudly imitating animal noises. This place can be very dark and depressing with the death and the wounded. The battles are intense and scary; I find them disturbingly haunting.
I miss you and our time together; life was much simpler back then. I hate this blasted war! Please pray for us and pray we'll be home by the year's end. I better stop writing now, but I love you like a sister, and you are still my best friend back home.
Your friend,
Emma C. Vass
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The letter to Jenny lifted my spirits a little. So, I wrote to Miss McGraw too.
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I saw a man today who reminded me of your father. How are you and your family? Is everyone still alive and well? I'm writing to tell you what has happened to us after the fire. You must think the worst by now; it's been so long since we spoke and saw one another. I can recall when your grandpa called us his little rag dolls; after the time we got muddy in the creek, and I tore my dress sleeve.
Much time has changed since then. I serve as a nurse in the 37th infantry. David and I were both adopted by a distant relative named Michael. He's an excellent surgeon and a loving Papa. He and my now fiancé trained me to be a field nurse. You'd like Ross. He is shy, but he makes me happy. David is doing well, but the war brings him many nightmares, which none of us is immune to.
Have you ever heard the Rebel Yell? Our soldiers use the yell when charging to boost morale and intimidate the enemy, among many other uses. I liken it to the scream of a cougar. It reminds me of us as kids, loudly imitating animal noises. This place can be very dark and depressing with the death and the wounded. The battles are intense and scary; I find them disturbingly haunting.
I miss you and our time together; life was much simpler back then. I hate this blasted war! Please pray for us and pray we'll be home by the year's end. I better stop writing now, but I love you like a sister, and you are still my best friend back home.
Your friend,
Emma C. Vass
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The letter to Jenny lifted my spirits a little. So, I wrote to Miss McGraw too.
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August 25, 1862
Dear Miss McGraw,
You always said I'd travel and see far destinations. It turns out you were right. I don't think either of us imagined it would be because of a war. I also never thought I'd journey this far from home. David says hi, and we are both doing fine. Have you heard any word or news from the front lines? We keep a safe distance from the fighting.
I wrote to see if you ever finished that quilt you started for me many years ago, the one for my hope chest. I'm engaged to a young man now that's training to be a doctor. Sorry, we've not visited since the tragedy. We are with family now, and we're always on the move with our adopted Papa. After the war, I'd love to stop by and visit for a while. You were our favorite neighbor and Mom's dearest and closest friend.
I miss your blueberry pies. Dad once said you were the most treasured cook between Virginia and North Carolina. Sadly, I have to run as I have chores to do, but rest easy. We are still alive and well. Don't fret over the war too much. I know how you're often frightened by your own shadow. At some point, life scares us all, but remember you are safe in God's loving arms.
Your friend,
Emma C. Vass
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All my letter writing gave Papa the desire to write home as well. He even let me read his letter before he mailed it.
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You always said I'd travel and see far destinations. It turns out you were right. I don't think either of us imagined it would be because of a war. I also never thought I'd journey this far from home. David says hi, and we are both doing fine. Have you heard any word or news from the front lines? We keep a safe distance from the fighting.
I wrote to see if you ever finished that quilt you started for me many years ago, the one for my hope chest. I'm engaged to a young man now that's training to be a doctor. Sorry, we've not visited since the tragedy. We are with family now, and we're always on the move with our adopted Papa. After the war, I'd love to stop by and visit for a while. You were our favorite neighbor and Mom's dearest and closest friend.
I miss your blueberry pies. Dad once said you were the most treasured cook between Virginia and North Carolina. Sadly, I have to run as I have chores to do, but rest easy. We are still alive and well. Don't fret over the war too much. I know how you're often frightened by your own shadow. At some point, life scares us all, but remember you are safe in God's loving arms.
Your friend,
Emma C. Vass
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All my letter writing gave Papa the desire to write home as well. He even let me read his letter before he mailed it.
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August 27, 1862
Dear Uncle Joe,
I had a moment to write and let you know that the kids and I are all well. We hope this letter brings you and your family some rest and peace of mind. We have traveled many miles. It is nice to have David and Emma here, but I partially hate and blame myself for bringing them to this dreary and gut-wrenching place. How are my mother and father? Has your case of tuberculosis worsened?
Our regiment is within a few miles of the enemy lines. I have seen no union troops today, but I expect we will come tomorrow or the next day. I think we plan to move to reposition our camp this afternoon nearer to our next engagement. I do not know when we will stop a day or two to rest, but I pray this war ends soon.
I have not received a letter from anyone back home for two or three weeks, anyway I must close for now. Emma and I only have a few minutes to eat before we go on our rounds to check the soldiers' feet and wounds.
Love always.
Michael J. Vass
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Ross was finally writing home to tell his family about me and our courtship, and he said he would let me read it before he sent it to get my thoughts. It seemed David was the only one not writing a letter, but he wrote to our old Sunday school teacher last week. David was one of his favorite students.
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I had a moment to write and let you know that the kids and I are all well. We hope this letter brings you and your family some rest and peace of mind. We have traveled many miles. It is nice to have David and Emma here, but I partially hate and blame myself for bringing them to this dreary and gut-wrenching place. How are my mother and father? Has your case of tuberculosis worsened?
Our regiment is within a few miles of the enemy lines. I have seen no union troops today, but I expect we will come tomorrow or the next day. I think we plan to move to reposition our camp this afternoon nearer to our next engagement. I do not know when we will stop a day or two to rest, but I pray this war ends soon.
I have not received a letter from anyone back home for two or three weeks, anyway I must close for now. Emma and I only have a few minutes to eat before we go on our rounds to check the soldiers' feet and wounds.
Love always.
Michael J. Vass
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Ross was finally writing home to tell his family about me and our courtship, and he said he would let me read it before he sent it to get my thoughts. It seemed David was the only one not writing a letter, but he wrote to our old Sunday school teacher last week. David was one of his favorite students.
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August 27, 1862
Dear Father and Mother,
I met a young Christian lady. I know you both have never been fond of my becoming a Christian, so I assume this news will not excite you either. She is a young, sweet, and beautiful girl as well.
After the war, I won't be returning home but settling near Washington County to be near her small family of like faith. However, she would love to meet you both, and we cordially invite you to the wedding when that time comes.
Your Son,
Ross J. Sutherland
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I met a young Christian lady. I know you both have never been fond of my becoming a Christian, so I assume this news will not excite you either. She is a young, sweet, and beautiful girl as well.
After the war, I won't be returning home but settling near Washington County to be near her small family of like faith. However, she would love to meet you both, and we cordially invite you to the wedding when that time comes.
Your Son,
Ross J. Sutherland
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***
The darkness of morning has almost passed. Now, I sit here pondering in the wagon with my letters in hand. I hope to get them to the postmaster soon. We fought at Groveton yesterday, and rumor has it we are to prepare for more loss of lives and bloodshed today as we encounter the second battle of Bull Run. My troubled spirit often flows deeper and roars louder than any raging sea. Many of us have already grown weary as we continue onward. War mentally, physically, and spiritually fatigues even the mightiest of souls.
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Hot lead and cannonballs are flying today. Countless bullets are shredding through the soldiers’ flesh. Young and old, confederate and union alike, have had their limbs blown off by cannons. The sting of war pierced the core of my heart as I ran to help with the casualties. I wonder if this is a sample of hell on earth. Tears poured down my face as I looked among the dead. David was bravely closing their eyes as he wept, for so many had perished. “Even one was too many,” he cried as he counted a friend among the dead.
After the battle and treating all the wounded, we washed up a bit. Then Papa retired to his tent to pray and read his Bible. Inside the front cover, he keeps a letter to David and me if he should die. I’ve decided to write a few myself. One to him, David, and Ross because I, too, could perish as well before the war ends. Sadly, death eventually comes to us all. I look for that glorious day when Jesus returns for His saints.
After the battle and treating all the wounded, we washed up a bit. Then Papa retired to his tent to pray and read his Bible. Inside the front cover, he keeps a letter to David and me if he should die. I’ve decided to write a few myself. One to him, David, and Ross because I, too, could perish as well before the war ends. Sadly, death eventually comes to us all. I look for that glorious day when Jesus returns for His saints.
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Tonight, my heart rests heavily upon my chest for all the losses we have endured. But tomorrow, I plan to write out my will and finish my letters home in case I don’t return, as I realize this is a crucial moment in time.
It’s now morning and I pause only a moment to ask David to gather Papa and Ross for breakfast. He asked me what we were having, and I let him know Lt. Col. Carson had given me a piece of cake. That was the first twinkle I have seen in David’s eyes in weeks.
As he runs, I smile and think this could be for all the birthdays we haven’t celebrated. I finished my last letter, and I postmarked them all to be sent out.
I eagerly said, “Hurry…” as the three of them approached. “I got us four a small treat,” It wasn’t much. It was just a tiny chunk I broke into four pieces, but our mouths watered. I wished everyone an early and belated happy birthday. Then I kissed each of them on the cheek and hugged them as we all went our way to get ready for the day.
I handed David everyone’s letters as he looked for the mail carrier, then I chased down Ross to ask him a question.
“When do you think we’ll get married?”
“Soon as the war ends, I hope.” He blushed.
I gave him a pout face. “I know, but what if it never does?”
“Don’t think or say such silly things.”
“You are right. We must be patient for now and trust in God.” I took him by the hand as we walked a short distance. At that moment, we were the only two people in the world in our eyes. Then we had to get ready to move out again. The military was forever on the move. That morning I went from a heavy heart to a lightened mood of happiness and peace surrounded by those I love most. When I got to the wagon, I said aloud, “Thank you, Lord.” Then I saw several people looking strangely at me.
One fella asked, “What do we have to be grateful for?”
“Well,” I smiled, “I’m grateful you are still here and alive.”
He grinned back at me. “Thanks, little missy.”
Then I climbed into the wagon to leave, thanking God once more.
It’s now morning and I pause only a moment to ask David to gather Papa and Ross for breakfast. He asked me what we were having, and I let him know Lt. Col. Carson had given me a piece of cake. That was the first twinkle I have seen in David’s eyes in weeks.
As he runs, I smile and think this could be for all the birthdays we haven’t celebrated. I finished my last letter, and I postmarked them all to be sent out.
I eagerly said, “Hurry…” as the three of them approached. “I got us four a small treat,” It wasn’t much. It was just a tiny chunk I broke into four pieces, but our mouths watered. I wished everyone an early and belated happy birthday. Then I kissed each of them on the cheek and hugged them as we all went our way to get ready for the day.
I handed David everyone’s letters as he looked for the mail carrier, then I chased down Ross to ask him a question.
“When do you think we’ll get married?”
“Soon as the war ends, I hope.” He blushed.
I gave him a pout face. “I know, but what if it never does?”
“Don’t think or say such silly things.”
“You are right. We must be patient for now and trust in God.” I took him by the hand as we walked a short distance. At that moment, we were the only two people in the world in our eyes. Then we had to get ready to move out again. The military was forever on the move. That morning I went from a heavy heart to a lightened mood of happiness and peace surrounded by those I love most. When I got to the wagon, I said aloud, “Thank you, Lord.” Then I saw several people looking strangely at me.
One fella asked, “What do we have to be grateful for?”
“Well,” I smiled, “I’m grateful you are still here and alive.”
He grinned back at me. “Thanks, little missy.”
Then I climbed into the wagon to leave, thanking God once more.