December 14th, 1862

Dear Maxwell,

I miss y’all so much. As you might know, the battle of Fredericksburg is happening right now. If you weren’t aware, we are losing. It’s not going well. We have 10,974 deaths so far. The Confederate only has 4,000. This is a huge low point for us. I have heard that our generals are miscommunicating. We really need to keep it together, and get better leaders. The Confederate leader General Robert E. Lee led an army and attacked the Union multiple times. They are planning to move away, down the Rappahannock. They then can leave Fredericksburg across a river. 

Anyway, I’m towing the mark over here. There are so many wounded soldiers. They got me runnin ‘round here like crazy. I’m played out. It is incredible that a woman like me can be the top doctor. Although it does have challenges. As the top doctor, I’m in charge of all the patients. I’ve got assistants, but I am working hard. It has become very difficult this week. I’ve been through the Mill. People all over the place. They’ve been pouring in since the 11th. 

We’re near the battle. Not too close to be found, but close enough to collect the wounded soldiers easily. Let me tell you. It ain’t snug as a bug. We have terrible medical equipment, bad rations, and hard living conditions. Good tools are scarce as Hens’ teeth. It makes my job much harder with no tools. I would love some amputation instruments, or maybe bullet extractors. I have to tend to people all day without these. 

I’ve saved so many lives, but I haven’t been able to save ‘em all. It is the worst to watch someone die, and know that you can’t do anything to save ‘em. I hope our kids never have to go through this. I will continue to work for our Country, but I don’t support war. There are better ways to solve our problems. This war has torn us apart, and destroyed our population. I hope this can end so we can start our long path to recovery. 

Love,

     Joanne Smith-Shester