Soldier Letter Home
November 19, 1862
Dear Mother,
I am very convinced the Confederates have a good chance at winning the War. So far, our battles are going very well and if we keep our victories going, at this rate the War could be done in a year. General Lee has been doing a swell job, the troops are really fighting hard. Although, that's a good thing, i can't bear watch another brother die on the field. The agony they must be in, i hear terrifying screams at least once a day, and i know a man has been shot. Sometimes i feel so helpless, as if i try to save my fellow soldiers, I will perish as well. It's not easy, but I'm content to know I'm serving my country to my best ability.
The confederates and I are defending the city of Fredericksburg, Virginia at the moment. We were expecting the Army of the Potomac to cross the Rappahaanock, but have yet to encounter them. Therefore, perhaps we will stay to defend the city until a battle erupts, until then i will stay placed here in Fredericksburg until I am told otherwise.
The days are long and hard, but we are fed fairly well. There haven't been any rations of our food yet, but I'm sure they are yet to come. The nights can be gruesomely cold here in Fredericksburg though, but the days can get hotter then i have ever experienced. I feel the sweat drip down my face constantly, bringing a cooling sensation to my body, but that's not enough to keep me from burning up. I often get dehydrated, as the temperatures rise, causing me to feel tedious throughout the days.
General Lee has taken care of us all so far, and i feel he will continue to impress us. The Confederacy's chance of winning is immense, as we have been quite fine throughout our battles. I will continue you to write to you as long as i prosper, and keep you updated on our victories, as well as our losses. I intend to have an outstanding service, and do my country justice.
your beloved son,
Andrew Garfield
November 19, 1862
Dear Mother,
I am very convinced the Confederates have a good chance at winning the War. So far, our battles are going very well and if we keep our victories going, at this rate the War could be done in a year. General Lee has been doing a swell job, the troops are really fighting hard. Although, that's a good thing, i can't bear watch another brother die on the field. The agony they must be in, i hear terrifying screams at least once a day, and i know a man has been shot. Sometimes i feel so helpless, as if i try to save my fellow soldiers, I will perish as well. It's not easy, but I'm content to know I'm serving my country to my best ability.
The confederates and I are defending the city of Fredericksburg, Virginia at the moment. We were expecting the Army of the Potomac to cross the Rappahaanock, but have yet to encounter them. Therefore, perhaps we will stay to defend the city until a battle erupts, until then i will stay placed here in Fredericksburg until I am told otherwise.
The days are long and hard, but we are fed fairly well. There haven't been any rations of our food yet, but I'm sure they are yet to come. The nights can be gruesomely cold here in Fredericksburg though, but the days can get hotter then i have ever experienced. I feel the sweat drip down my face constantly, bringing a cooling sensation to my body, but that's not enough to keep me from burning up. I often get dehydrated, as the temperatures rise, causing me to feel tedious throughout the days.
General Lee has taken care of us all so far, and i feel he will continue to impress us. The Confederacy's chance of winning is immense, as we have been quite fine throughout our battles. I will continue you to write to you as long as i prosper, and keep you updated on our victories, as well as our losses. I intend to have an outstanding service, and do my country justice.
your beloved son,
Andrew Garfield