Friday, April 21, 2023

The Eve of Gettysburg

 

The Eve of Gettysburg                                                                                

June 30, 1863

Dear Emma,

It is with a heavy heart that I write to you today, cognizant of the fact that the responsibilities that you have been left with are my fault. If our eyes had not met across that dance floor maybe you would have married a more successful suitor. Certainly a man with the $50 to sell his draft notice. The three boys and the farm are too much responsibility for your soft white hands to clutch and cleave into a life.

            We are never told much information and with a lack of facts the weeds of rumor infiltrate the crops, sowing doubt in our minds. A great storm is brewing not in the skies above but on the land. A human storm is approaching. I can feel it in my bones. I have never seen so many Union soldiers in one place. The encampments are very quiet like a field before a storm. It has been said that General Meade is no match for General Robert E. Lee, the great warrior of the Confederacy, if he is truly approaching. His aura hangs over the land like an avenging angel intent on destroying the North.These southern boys fight with such confidence and determination as if they cannot possibly loose and are determined to end up giving us a good thrashing.

            I have to move on so I will say goodbye for now. Please give the boys a hug and let them know that all of you are in my heart and my thoughts constantly and I love all of you more than words will express.Take care of them and yourself.                                                                                          

                                                                                                            Your Loving Husband,

                                                                                                                        Samual

 Jim


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