Glossary

Union: The Northern part of the war

Confederate: A Southern soldier

Weep: crying

Plummeting: going downward drastically

Plantations: big fields of crops

Amputation: the removal of a limb

Southerner: a soldier from the South

Rejoicing: big amounts of joy

    Dear, Marianne                                        February 20, 1861

    Today I write to you as we are being taken to the Union base to prepare for battle, and I also write to you apologizing for the fight we had before I left. Matthew just needs to go to school, and Hannah must pass her reading, Working on the farm isn’t good enough. You need to understand that. But I must admit, I do miss our small shaggy home, and the dirty ol’ farm. We are very early in the war and I already want it to be over, I love you.

    Dear Ned                                        February 23, 1861

        My husband, I forgive you aswell. I have taken consideration of your request to put Matthew into school, and I have enrolled him yesterday. He starts in just three days, and I have gotten him his uniform with our savings. Hannah’s reading has gotten better, but she is refusing to do certain things, like when I tell her to go and read she refuses and yells at me, I will be more strict with her though. And please my husband take consideration in having appreciation in even the little things.

    Dear Marianne                                        April 16, 1861            

    We just got through with the Anaconda Plan and it was a success, we cut off the supplies being shipped to the South down at the Mississippi River and the Southern Ports. We've gone back to the Union base, and we’re all currently celebrating General Winfield Scott for his amazing plan becoming a reality. and I’m currently here in the midst of the party writing to you, How is Matthew with his schooling? And has Hannah passed her reading? Has the farm been okay since I’ve been gone? I guess I will have to see for myself when I return home. I’ve just received news from the General that because of the Confederate's lack of supplies due to the trains we’ve cut off, the South has been weakened. So you have no need to worry, I’m excited for my

 Dear Ned                                        April 19, 1861

    My dear husband, I fear and concern for your safety, and I find myself late at night weeping for you, and stressing for your life. Not only that but Matthew is being bullied by the other boys at his school. He won’t tell me the reasons, but they follow him to school calling him names and slapping the back of his head. And Hannah’s education is plummeting because of her lack of books and sources to educate her. I find myself lost in the midst of this, but I shall remain in prayer to the Lord, hoping in him and being patient.

Dear Marianne                             February 13, 1863 

        Because of the Anaconda plan the Southern economy has been weakened from their lack of food, guns, and equipment. It is so strange to see plantations, stores, and homes burnt to the ground. The Anaconda plan cut off all supplies affecting not just the soldiers, but also civilians like moms and kids that have been left to care for their children. I wonder how they will even survive down here. The North has the advantage, and we are thriving with our supplies, So there is nothing to worry about my wife. And because Hannah’s reading is being affected by our lack of education, sell our cow daisy, and buy her some books. Make sure Matthew gets to school safely, and please be tough on the boy to harden him up. This world is too rough to be soft, take care of the farm, and don’t be in distress my wife, be happy.

    Dear Ned                                        February 15, 1863

    Rejoicing fills me when I hear the words of you being more and more safe, but also a wave of guilt comes over me when I think of all those poor families in the South and what they are experiencing in their distress. The things which I have been experiencing with sorrow, concern, and distress has eventually passed, And I thank the Lord every day that things are progressively getting better. I have successfully purchased Hannah some books, and she can even start learning math, and Matthew has decided to make friends with his bullies, Things are finally starting to lighten up. And my husband, please do be more thankful for the things which we are blessed with, even this day which we are both living in, and me being able to write to you is a blessing. I love you and care for you, be safe my husband.