Dear Mom and Dad, 

September 14, 1862

My life here is miserable. Today we met the Union at South Mountain. Our army decided to split up. One half would try to take over Harpers Ferry, and the other half would protect them at South Mountain. Today we were beat by the Union at the South Mountain. All of us were going to return back to Virginia to retreat, but General Lee wants to go to Sharpsburg. I was excited to go back home. General Lee was talking about going back. But because we took over Harpers Ferry, General Lee wants to go fight again. 

I am scared for tomorrow. Not only tomorrow, but the rest of the war. Every day, we’re fighting in some sort of fight and every time, I imagine myself dying. This war is changing my life in so many ways. If it wasn’t for this war, we would be together at home. Now, I am fighting for my life everyday. I never agreed to this. I can’t stop thinking about what’s happening at home. I hope you know that I miss you and I am going to do everything I can to go see you all again. If only the Union also beat the troops in Harpers Ferry, than the Generals would retreat and we could go home. This war is making me root for the Union. I feel so guilty betraying my troops. The war has changed me a lot but I bet it’s changing your life too. When will this all end. Will it ever end. Please make sure to stay safe. I will come home and we can be a family again. That’s all that I am thinking about. I love you. 

Sincerely, 

William