Saturday, February 7th, 1862

There was a bombing at Charleston Harbor right near our base. It was a surprise attack. This was exciting because this was the closest I had gotten to fighting the South. I have finally been able to use my gun. I’m all dressed up in gear, and still fit as a fiddle! The battle was deadly, and even though we have the numbers, they have the brains. It’s embarrassing to think how evenly matched this war is despite us having the upper hand by a lot. General Lucifer thinks that the South is trying to take over Washington DC and finally win the war, but I’m not letting that happen. 

Ross died of an infection in his shoulder after he was shot. We were the only two teenagers in our regiment, but we weren’t really friends. There are rumors that Ross was a woman dressed as a man. If that’s true, I’m embarrassed, because if I knew there was a girl in our camp, I never would have done weird things. 

The food here is the last thing I want to talk about. I’ve seen bugs in my hardtack, and my meat tastes like chunks of salt-packed together. The coffee here has a grimy taste, but it keeps me awake. Luckily, General Lucifer bought us lemons because of our lack of vitamins, so that has been great. 

While we were marching, I cut my leg on a thorn bush. I asked sawbone if I needed to get it amputated, and he laughed, shaking his head. He said there would be a scar, which I thought was awesome. 

I’ve gotten to know a lot of the men in my regiment and they are interesting. I’m in SAC; it’s the Share Adventures Club. Penster, the oldest guy in the club, talks about all of the crazy voyages he had when he was in his 20’s. We’re glad Penster talks because if not, Wilmer will. And all Wilmer ever talks about is his lover that lives up in Wisconsin. I doubt she even exists. It’s inspiring being with these men, but I don’t want to get too attached. Because if one of them dies, I’m gonna be all emotional and sentimental, and that’s embarrassing. 

I’ve had enough of this Southern business. This war is crazy, and I have barely been in any of the action! Wars can accomplish what words can’t, and we need to fight. Hopefully, the Confederates will give up before any more lives are lost because this war is brutal; at least that’s what I hear from General Lucifer. I’ve finally been getting a sense of what the real world feels like by marching with all these generals and soldiers. I’ve been all cooped up in school learning about King George when our country is practically hanging on a string! 

Well, here comes Wilmer ready to talk about Ms. Wisconsin. Better pretend to be asleep!