Wednesday, November 10, 2010

Letter from a Civil War Soldier


Imagine that you are a young man who just volunteered to fight as a Union (northern) soldier in the Civil War. Write a letter to your parents explaining why you are going to fight.


63 comments:

Gubster511 said...

Dear Parents,

Life is very tough here, we have to groom the horses, clean our rifles and set up camp everyday. I want to quit constantly, but then I remember why I joined the army in the first place. I did it for the greater good of America. I just don't want our country to split into two different countries. Also I want to abolish slavery.

Love,
Ned

tcat said...

Dear Parents,
I truly am sad that I made this decision even though its for the better 0f the country. It is hard for me to fight here today with my life on the line every single day. I am a proud person for what I believe and truly think that I am doing a favor for the union right now. I hope that you guys are calm right now and I will re asure you that I will be alright in fighting for anti-slavery. The main reason I chose to be in the battlefield fighting is for what I believe and in anti-slavery!!!

With Regards,
Thomas

Lauren said...

Dear Parents,
I have decided to go and fight in the union for the Northerners. I am going to fight for the slaves and for the abolitionists. I beleive that we should all have equal rights and i go by what Thomas Jefferson said " all men are created equal."

nolan murray said...

Dear Mom and Dad,
I very upset to leave on such a bad note but, the Union army needs fighters to beat the south. The camp isn't that bad we have clean bathrooms, beds and cafeteria. We received note that the south is marching north towards a northern camp and we might be leaving soon to help. The war is just starting so there may be many times I have to leave to help another northern camps. The army is not what people think it is a lot of fighting but, it shapes you into a man.

Anonymous said...

Dear Mom & Dad,
I am so sorry that I left you, but I am doing a good deed for my country. I feel as though I should be there with you two and at the same time here doing something courageous for my country. I do truly miss you both and I will come home as many times as I can, although I cant make any promises that I will come home at all through out this journey. Over here is not very pleasant; we have to clean all of our weapons and be ready at all times. We even have to be careful when we sleep. As I have said before, I miss you and I will be ok here.
Love Your Daughter,
Lindsay

Star :) said...

Dear Mother,

I have left your home to join what I think is right. You know i am passionate about slavery and do think it shall be abolished. Therefore I will have to leave from under your wing in order to follow my dream of being someone important who has helped to shape the way the world will be in the near future. I have concluded that even if I die, I will die with pride. Knowing that i have helped fight for what is right. I have also concluded that once we win the Civil War. slavery will no longer be legal throughout the U.S. I will accomplish my dream of making something of myself, and helping our country, in order to do this I will have to risk my life for the better of the country and soon the world. I have done the best i can, to make you realize this is my life I hope you understand. I will love you forever.

Your Child
- Star

Marc said...

Dear Mom & Dad,

I am sorry to inform that I am going to fight for the union. I don't want you guys to worry. I want you to know that I will be safe. Once this is over I will come straight home. I will miss you. After this experience I will feel like to served my country well and I hope you see it like that also.

Your son,
Marc

Giulia said...

Dear mom and dad,
as you are reading this i am already on a train to sign up for the military. I am going to fight in the civil war. I am going to fight for what i believe in, which is having no slavery. I do not think people should be enslaved and used as free labor. I am fighting for the good of our country and the protection of our homeland. From,
Giulia

matt said...

Dear Mom and Dad,

I have choosen to volunteer to fight in the Civil war for the North. The reason why I have chosen to do this is because I do not want slavery to continue no more. It's not all bad I have to clean my gun and wash the bathrooms and clean up my bed its kind of living at home. Please do not worry about me I will be fine but if any thing does happen I want you to know I did this for what I believe in.

Your son,
Matt

Tully said...

Dear mom and dad,
I've gone to war because i feel that it is right for me to fight for my country. I have weapons so you dont have to worry about me. I miss you both very much. I constantly think about coming home, but i cant i have to stay at war to do good for our country. I love you guys very much. Say hello to Tim, Jayne, and Clarie for me. I will hopefully see you all soon.
Best regards,
Annie Tully

Joey said...

Dear parents,

I have some news to tell you that you may not enjoy hearing. I have gone to fight in the Civil War. I feel like I need to help my country America. I'm sorry, but the Confederacy should not have the right to secede from the union and have slavery and corruption, in my opinion. That's why I have to fight. But remember you guys will always be in my mind.

Love,
Joey

Anonymous said...

Dear Loving Mother and Father,
I know you are aware of this, but a war has started and I feel as if it is my duty to protect my country and protect what I believe in. The south has taken it too far to "protect" what they believe in even if it means leaving our country. We are the UNITED STATES, which means that all the states have to be UNITED. The south has forgotten what it means to be a whole country again and I wish to teach them what it means, even through violence. If you have received this letter, it means that I have left you, and I am sorry, and if I survive, I promise I will return.

Your loving child,
Isabelle L.

hannah said...

Dear mother and father,

I know you must miss me dearly, as I miss you, but I must go and help fight for our country, it is the right thing to do. Our country has been split into two parts, one Southern, one Northern, and our opinions are different. The South has decided to forget the struggles we went through as one country, and has seceded. However, I believe the America can still become one, and that even if I contribute to this a little, I will have succeeded in life. So, I have decided to go fight for the Northern cause, I hope you will understand.

Until next time,
Hannah

hannah said...

Dear mother and father,

I know you must miss me dearly, as I miss you, but I must go and help fight for our country, it is the right thing to do. Our country has been split into two parts, one Southern, one Northern, and our opinions are different. The South has decided to forget the struggles we went through as one country, and has seceded. However, I believe the America can still become one, and that even if I contribute to this a little, I will have succeeded in life. So, I have decided to go fight for the Northern cause, I hope you will understand.

Until next time,
Hannah

Anonymous said...

Dear Mom and Dad,
I am so sorry that I left home but I feel as if I have to serve my country. I am going to fight in this war because I feel very strongly that slavery should be abolished and I need to help make it happen. I will miss you dearly and hope to see you when the war is over. If I don't return, know that I love you very much and I am one hundred percent confident that this is what I need to do. Life at the camps is hard but I am doing well.

Much Love,
Alex

Vicky:D said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Vicky:D said...

Dear Mom and Dad,
I have decided that I am going to fight for the North in the Civil War. I know that you will be very upset, and scared, but i have to fight for what I believe in. I am going to fight with the slaves and abolitionist. I go by what Thomas Jefferson states which is "all men are created equal," and this is why I am going to fight for the North. I love you so much, and I hope you understand why I am doing this.

Much Love,
Victor

Mariel Berger said...

Dear mom & dad,

i'm very i had to go to war when i knew you didn't agree with it. i hope you can get other the fact i left without your permission and understand that it was to serve my country. i have left home to make my life more meaning full. i believe slavery is wrong and i want to end it forever and make a better life for my children's children. i will write back to you frequently.

love always,
mariel

luke said...

Dear Mother and Father,
Life in the army is very hard. I decided to join the Union in the fight against the Confederates so I could feel like I am in something that is bigger than myself. I also did this so I could become a man. Life is tuff, I have to groom the horses, clean my gun and clean my living space. I hope the war ends soon. Love you.

Love
Gary

Sienna said...

Dear Parents,
I am going to war because I am tired of farm work here. I want to have a more adventurous life; Daring. I want to experience something that may never happen. Please understand that I am doing this for your safety and protection.
-Benedict

Lauren F said...

Dear Parents,
I left you a while ago to go fight in a war, sorry about that. It's tougher here then I thought, I wouldn't have left to go and fight if I knew people DIED in these wars.I much rather prefer sitting at home and reading. However, I guess I have a duty to my country. This country won't be the same after this war.I hope you get along fine. Luckily, most of the fighting's in the south. I'll write as often as I can!
Love,
Billy Pilgrim (your son)

Anonymous said...

Dear Parents,

I am very sorry that i had to leave on such short notice, but i have decided to fight in the Civil War on the Unions side, and fight for freedom in the United States. I have decided to fight for what i believe because as a part of the United Sates i feel the need to defend what i believe so that the country doesn't spilt into to different countries. I am really sorry i had to leave you, but life over here is not so good either. We have to clean our rifles and groom our horses and be alert at all times so we don't get ambushed and so i don't get killed. The army is not the most luxurious thing but i really believe that it is important to fight for what I believe and so we can be one United Country at the end of this war.

Love,

Jeremy

Anonymous said...

Dear parents,

I am joining the Union army to keep the United States together. I feel like it is my duty to fight. This was not an easy decision to leave but i must. There is okay pay which i will give to you and the officers are nice. I promise i will be back soon.

Love,
Stephen James Connor

James said...

hey mom, its me i know i should have told you earlier but i joined the army. there was many reasons why but the main reasons are that i hate it the black people are slaves. you remember when i was 10 and i had that best friend who was black, well i just got a letter asking for help. what was i supposed to due forget about it. well i hope you saport my desition and i hope when i get home you will let me back in.

love you;
Fred

tconheeney said...

Dear Mom and dad;

The decision i made of joining the union in there fight to end slavery was not a decision that i came to lightly.
I have thought long and hard about it and i think what the Union is trying to do is right for this country. Life is tough of the battle field, seeing a lot of my friends die, but it is what needs to happen to win wars like these. I hope you are proud of me and i will see you soon,
Love You,
Tommy

Andrew Savage said...

Mom and Dad,

I am very sorry for leaving you to fight for the Union in the War, but I hope you will understand my decision and come to accept it. I am fighting for a brighter future for our country, and I feel this is the only honorable thing for a young man like me to do at this time. I am sure I will return soon, though, for when the advantages and disadvantages of both sides are compared, it seems like the South is no match for the North and the War will be over very quickly.
Our section has not fought any battles yet, for I have just joined and I'm going through a little training. We are going through many drills such as shooting practice, conditioning, and simulation drills. I am told that I excel in these practices, but I'm still afraid of what the war will bring. I promise I will pray for everyone I love every day, and I hope you will do the same. I know god will protect me from death, and hope he will protect others from the Union as well. I know this was the right choice even if sometimes I regret it deeply. I hope to see you both in the near future.

Honorably and Lovingly,
Bill Helbling

Ctmera said...

Dear Suzanne and John,
I have gone off to fight in the war because it is my duty to serve my nation (and I get 11 dollars a week!!!). Though times may get tough, I'm sure that we will prevail against the treacherous Southerners. I've grown up to be a grown man thanks to you two, but I feel that unless I can support myself now, I will never be able to in the future.

-Your son,
Sylvester S.

Jenny G said...

Dear Mom and Dad,

I wanted to fight in the war because I think it is my job. Fighting in the war is a way to show my appreciation to the Union. They need me, and I shall help them with all my strength. I also wanted to make you guys proud of me. When the war is over, I will return home a soon as possible. I know you don't always agree with me, but I know this is the right decision to go and fight. Don't miss me too much.
Sincerely,
Jenny

Josh Ford said...

Dear Mom and Dad,



I know that you won’t like it, and I’m not sure if I like it neither, but I signed up to go to the war. I seen what theys doin to the blacks down south, and I seen some a my best friends come back with missin arms an legs, or jus not come back at all. I wanna go out there and fight. I don’t really wanna kill nobody, and I know you don’t want me to neither. Btu I wanna fight anyways. For all the negroes bein slaves in the south, and for all a my friends who gave their lives for ‘em. If you don’t like my decidin this, jus think a wat president Lincoln’d say, think about all the bad talk from all the folks, and you always told me that what he was doin was right for all them poor old slaves. If you hate me for this, you was jus lyin all that time.
Love you and hope to see you again,
Charles

Olivia Savitz said...

Dear Mother and Father,

I know you miss me very much, for i miss you both to, however, i must go and fight for our country. America is split into two sides, the North and the South. These sides both have different views on the way our nation should function, therefore this war shall not be easy. The South has decided to be cowardly, and secede from the Union. I feel that with determination and power, the North side and I will regain rights for African Americans. I know you probably do not understand why i would risk my life for rights of others, but please know that my motives are worthy, and i am going to continue to fight for the abolishment of slavery.

Much Love,

Olivia

John Tooher said...

Dear Parents,

I have decided to volunteer for the Union army.I feel very strongly about abolishing slavery and I am willing to risk my life to do so.This should not be taken as a sad letter, for I am willing to fight for my pride and respect for all of America.I do hope that you respect my choice to enlist into the army, although it is scary.

Your son,
John

John Tooher said...

Dear Parents,

I have decided to volunteer for the Union army.I feel very strongly about abolishing slavery and I am willing to risk my life to do so.This should not be taken as a sad letter, for I am willing to fight for my pride and respect for all of America.I do hope that you respect my choice to enlist into the army, although it is scary.

Your son,
John

Katie McNulty said...

Dear Mom and Dad,
I volunteered to fight as a Union soldier. I want to do something good for our country, and by risking my life I could be saving yours and other lives. I strongly believe that slaves should be free. They deserve it. I hope you understand.
Love,
Katie :)

Anonymous said...

Dear Parents,

I know this is hard for you and it is also hard for me but I need to do this, I strongly believe that slaves should have their own rights. I need to serve my country and I assure you I will be fine so do not worry about me. I think about home constantly, however I know fighting in the war is for the better of the country.

Love,
Madeline

Ali Futter said...

Dear Parents,

I know my absence is hard to accept, but you must understand why I have made this decision. Fighting for my country is very important, and I believe that our whole future depends on whether or not we win, and every soldier counts. I could make a difference, and if I die, at least I will die fighting for the land that I love. I want to make history. I want to do everything that I can to help. Although my life here is very different from my comfortable life at home, I know that my hard work will pay off by the time the war ends. Which brings me to my next point: the war will not last very long. We will destroy the South, and make them wish that they had never seceded from the Union. I am sorry for all the trouble I may have caused you, but please remember that I love you so much.

Lots of love always,

Alexander

Mason Propper said...

Dear Mom and Dad,

I have left to go do what is right for the country. I am terribly sorry but I feel I must do what is right and serve for the Union. I have chosen to do this because I am 100% against slavery. Even though the living conditions are unbearable, I need to show the south why slavery is immoral. I will see you again when I return home.

Love,
Mason

johnny M said...

Dear mother and father,

I joined the union army for two reasons. First, i didn't feel like a man or appreciated at home and wanted to prove my loyalty to our country. Second, i am willing to risk my life to end slavery and keep this country from spliting. Asside from those two reasons to go to war, there are many hardships in war. For example, I have to dig fox holes every night for warmth and the food i recieve is small and stale. War is the most terrifying thing i have ever experienced, and I want to go home as much as you want me home.

ali weiner said...

Dear Mom and Dad,
I know it was hard seeing me leave and your probably wondering why I went to war in the first place. There are a few reasons why I went. The first reason that I went is because it is bigger than me. For once in my life I am able to partake in something that will change the course of history. I can be a part of the fight, instead of watching it helplessly form the sidelines. The second reason is for the experience. Before this I had no idea how to shoot a gun, or how to fight, and now I am a war machine! I am able to take on the best of opponents in both hand to hand combat and when firing guns. The third reason is because I am against slavery. I think when you believe strongly in something you should partake in fighting for the change of it. Finally, I would hate to see our country divided just after we were created. It would leave us vulnerable to foreign attack which would take away from all of the hard work the people int eh past have put into making our country. I ask you to look past your fears of my being hurt, to understand that I am finally making a difference in this world. Even if we loose, I went down fighting for what I believe in. Not a bad way to go.
With love,
Ali

poooookah said...

TO: My family
From: Your son
I'm sorry I left so abruptly, without warning or notice, but I could not just stand back and watch this unfair behavior. The south is cruel and they have to be stopped. I will fight for what i believe in! I love you all very much and ill be home soon.

Much love,
Ian

Frances said...

Dear Mother and Father,

I am willing to go fight for our country, so I went and signed up. I felt a need to go, to stand up for what we believe in. Our whole country, including the seceded south, has lost sight of what this country is: union. We need to show each other what this country is made of: the people who run it, the freedom, and the union. This war will be huge, but once united again, this will be a minor fall prior to the major lift. I hope to return one day to tell stories about this experience of bringing the people back togther.

Sincerely,
Frances

kendra scotti said...

Dear Parents,
I am sorry that i must leave you this note but i have decidide to fight for the union and to protect the slaves in the south. Right now i am on a horse going to sign up to fight. I know that you told me not to go but i went i will miss you both very much.

Love,
Kendra

Keli said...

Dear Mother and Father,

I made my decision and I will be fighting in the Civil War. I have to do what's right for the people!! I have to abolish the slavery. By the time, you are done reading this i will probably be on my way. I just wanted to tell you guys that I love you and I'll try to write letters to you.

Love,
Keli <3

Mahesh said...

Dear Mom and Dad,
I know this is all of a sudden, but I have to fight in this war. The North and South cannot live without each other, but they also can't live with slavery. No human being is property no matter what there skin color is. All I'm asking for is your approval so that I can fight for freedom.

Love,
Charlie

Henry Catchpole said...

Dear Parents,
I think that this war will be over soon because the South doesn't have the men that we have. I was happy when I joined the army, but the training is boring and the anticipation of battle is killing me. I hope to see you soon when this war is over.

Love,
Henry

Austin Cieszko said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Austin Cieszko said...

Dear Parents,
Im sorry to tell you this in a letter but I am going to fight the war with the Union. I have to. The fact that so many African Americans are constantly getting treated like animals because of the color of their skin sickens me. I have to fight to stop this nonsense and I thank you again for everything.

Your son,
Jack Black

TUCKER GOUIN said...

Dear Mother and Father,
I'm sorry I must inform you that I am going to fight for the Union. I am fighting to save the Union and to free the African Americans who contribute to this country just like you and me. I believe African Americans should should be free.

ladina said...

Dear mom dear dad

I am her in the war were everything is different from hometo fight for justice.
The wetter is cold and there is no friendliness is the air and even if there would be a lot of reasons to come back to you, I still want to be her. Me being here could safe many lives including the ones of my most beloved. I truly believe that slavery should be abolish and are land should get to be a happy and fearless place for us. I miss all deeply and hope to see you soon with good news.

Annie Love! said...

Dear Mother and Father,
i am off to fight in the war in the union. My life during it, will be very tough moving from place to place. The long hours fighting or crouching down is hard. Sometimes I just want to kill myself… The reason I volunteered is because I am sick of working at home. Shooting a gun is very fun, but very dangerous. I am not doing this for you- - I am doing this for my country. I will hopefully return home safely- -

Until we meet again--
Alex

Chris said...

Dear Mother and Father,

I am upset to inform you but I have joined the union to fight in the Civil War. I know what you are thinking right now but I did this for one reason, to fight for my country. our family always took for granted what we have here in this country, but now I am going to make my country proud. I hope one day you will understand.

Your Son,
Chris

Kate said...

Mother and Father,

I know you are upset with my choice to join the war, but in the end I know that you will know I made the right decision. At a point in time where our country is breaking apart, I was needed to help fight and keep the north and south together as one. Everyday I wish to return home to you, but I know what I am doing is for the good of our country. I will be home as soon as I possibly can.

ariana said...

Dear Mom & Dad,

I am very sad that I have left you two alone. I am fighting in the war for the Northerners because they need soldiers, to keep the union together, and for slavery. I think that if I come back safe and sound that things will be different around home and we wouldn't have to worry as much as we do now. Well good bye for now!

your daughter,
Ariana

Ethan! said...

Dear Mother and Father,

I have gone to fight for the union in this current civil war we are in. I cant stand seeing our country divided like this, a house divided cannot stand. Even though I want to win, I want to get out of this awful place. Every day is quite literally a living hell, the food, the work, the death. But I must stand strong, and fight for the sake of our great nation and for all the slaves who deserve there freedom as well. I love you both.

Love,
Ethan

nick said...

Dear Mom and Dad,
I'm going to fight in the war because I do not want to see the Union torn apart. If the North allows the South to secede and disobey our president, all of the other countries will see that they can walk all over us. Also, I don't believe in how the south treats african-americans. They are people to even if people don't believe that.
Love,
Nick

Jcarnavalla said...

Dear parents,
I am very sad that this matter had to come down to me fighting against people of my own country over this matter. But i could not resist it. These slaves did not do anything to use why are we torturing them? This is why i am fighting. Everyday i think to say to myself "you better not die if you ever want to go home and see you parents again."

I am all ways thinking of you,
Jamie

Alex Currie said...

Dear mom and dad,
I hope you are not too worried about me because i am proud to be fighting for my beliefs. life is hard for we have to live of of little food and drink but it is worth it
i hope to see you soon and i will write whenever i can
love,
alex

Greg said...

dear mom and dad,

i am going to fight in the warhoping to prove that i am a man and show that i will stick up for what i beleive i. i will be fighting a lot of close range fights and will show those southerners whose boss.

wish me luck,
greg

luke price said...

Dear parents,
I am fighting for the union in the civil war. I am fighting because I feel that a divided nation is week and we must reunite with the south to save our country. With out the support the other side provides, both the north and the south will be week and open to foreign attack. Unfortunately the only way to reunite the two sides is war, but if the north wins the south will surely rejoin the union.

wish me luck,
Luke

Julien said...

I'm fighting for freedom. At first it was only to teach the South a lesson and show them that they can't just up and walk away without a fight. But now with Lincoln issuing the Proclamation it is about freedom for the slaves and every American citizen.

$@rÅh said...

Dear Mom and Dad,

After serious consideration, i have decided i would like to fight in the war for the Union. I feel that is my duty to serve my country, and fight for the freedom of the people. Every day i hear news from the war, how our side isn't doing so well. I feel that by adding on to the number of young people like me who are enlisting, i will help ensure our victory. I feel that it is my duty as a young adult, and as an American to do this. I will write when i can, and send the money i earn home so i can help support the family. I hope you agree with my decision.
Best Regards,
Sarah :)

Anonymous said...

To My Beloved Family,

After much thought I have made the decision to enlist in the Union's army. Though you may disagree with this I feel it is my obligation to fight for the freedom of americans who are just like us despite the color of their skin. If young people like me enlist it will increase our numbers to help the war effort and looking at our sides current condition we need more soldiers desperately. More importantly the colored people are loyal to America and deserve to have the rights that we have and that is the main reason why I have joined. I don't know if I will make it back home but at least I am fighting for a good cause that I truly believe in. I will try my best to write often and send some of my money earned to help support you all. I love you all very much. I can think of nothing more to write at present so I will bring my letter to a close.

Your Son,

Jackson McNeal

Luke Pritchard said...

Dear Parents,

It has been tough making this decision but in the long run it is for the better of our country. Its astonishing to think that my life could be taken from me any day at any time as long as I am fighting here. It is scary to fight but at the same time I feel like a hero and I am proud to be able to represent our union. I hope that I can complete my task in abolishing slavery.

Your son-
Luke

Henry Bray said...

Dear Parents,

The reason that i left home was because of of the slavery. I think that it is very wrong and should have never been in existence. i want to fight for my country to so that the union and confederacy will join and finally because the U.S again

Love,
Phil