July 21, 1861

Dear Pops,

It’s me, your son Henry. I can’t wait to see you soon since my 90-day volunteering is almost up. I have recently started marching to a new battle. Unfortunately, we lost to the Confederates and are marching back to Washington. It was more exciting than ever. Except for the part, I almost died. It was a normal day. The sun was starting to come up as we marched to the battlefield against the Confederates. I helped Uncle Jon with his uniform since he got some blood on it from the last war. Man was he a tough cookie to beat. His wife and kids are doing alright. Well anyway, I started playing my drum since I am one of the war musicians. I got to be in the front this time so I could say bye to uncle Jon who is in the back in case he dies. Luckily he didn’t. A big boom goes off and it began. We started playing the farewell piece this time. Me and Harry, my best friend was trying not to cry while watching the soldiers fall. Why are we even in a war? Maybe I will understand when I am older. Well, then the most surprising thing happened. The Confederates started shooting at us. I think it was because General Grant was behind us. Then BOOM!

I woke up and my ear was ringing. I look to my right and notice my drum had been destroyed. The one mom hand-made before she died. And I look to my left and…. And my best friend Harry was shot. For a second I had hoped. I hoped that he would live and one day when we were older we would look back at this moment and laugh on how much of a cry baby I was. I was crying and my heart was filled with rage. Those confederates were going to pay, I didn’t care that uncle Jon said, “be careful, this is the Bull Run Battle.” I wanted revenge for my friend’s death. I ran and found a muscat that was on a dead man. I shot about twenty men before uncle Jon pushed me aside, I was so careless I didn’t notice the cannon being shot in my direction. Because of me, my uncle could have died. And it wouldn’t be the Confederates fault that my uncle would have died. It would be mine. I felt like a monster. When I get home, all I want to do is lock myself up so you won’t have to deal with a killer son. When I come home I won’t be the same, Henry. 

Sincerely,

Henry