Darcy,

It’s been 4 days since I’ve been brought out to Virginia. Sorry I didn’t write to you sooner, I was on a train and it was too bumpy for me to hold a pencil steady. I want to apologize for leaving suddenly. War is coming, Darcy; and we need people in the medical field more than ever. They pay me fairly well here. Tell mom I’ll send her money, and tell her to buy you a new dress as well.

Manasses is a fine place, but the field hospital I’ve been deployed to is wretched. The men here are ill-mannered and rude, as they don’t think I am capable of learning from our head doctor, Dr. Summers. Me and the only other female nurse there, Judy, must address him as “Sir” or “Mr.”, while everyone else calls him “doc”. Trains and cargo come in daily with supplies for us. Food isn’t great, but I’m managing alright. 

Everything changed when the battle started. The first battle of the war; July 21st. The Battle of Bull Run. It was chaos, men turned feral while bullets peppered dusty air. Men dropping their rifles and running away. I couldn’t imagine being the one to pull the trigger, just standing by for a wounded soldier was horrible. I never imagined things would be this bad.

 The first soldier brought to us had a bullet in his thigh, which meant amputation. Dr. Summers led the surgery with a team of three other men. Judy and I stood by in case they needed extra tools or supplies. It wasn’t pretty, having to carefully watch the team cut someone’s leg off. This was the first time I’ve witnessed an amputation, and it definitely won’t be the last. I’m scared, but I’m happy that it’s saving lives at the very least. 

I do wish that everything could be solved without such violence, but it looks like there isn’t a better way. The best I can do is treat the injured so they can return to the battlefield to fight for us. I’m grateful that others are risking their lives for a better future. A better future for you and I, Darcy. I hope I can return to you and mom. 

With love, 

Maisy