Dear Anne,                           July 2 1863

It’s me, your sister Emma Quinn, but I’m disguised as a male soldier; John Carol. I am at Gettysburg fighting for the Union. The Confederates attacked our soldiers from both sides and we lost many people. Yesterday we were doing well but lost many. I don’t know if I’ll be able to write again, but I wanted to catch you up about what’s happening. I am very saddened to say that we lost our little brother Jim. I promised mom I would take care of him, but I failed. I tried to run over to him to take the bullet instead of Jim, but I was too slow. I got shot in the thigh and saw our brother fall to the ground. I feel like a failure. It’s been really hard seeing my friends get hurt and die. I wish this war could be over so I can come home to you and Mom. 

On the other hand I am getting married next week to a man named Jack Gary. I met him at camp one day. He loves playing cards just like me. He is the only person I can trust my secret with and I love him. He doesn’t mind that I am a woman. Once the war is over I will visit so you can meet him. I don’t know when that will be but I hope soon. 

I don’t know how much longer this war will last but I hope you and mom are okay and are staying safe. I know that this may be difficult to hear but I would rather you not tell mom about Jim yet. I want to tell her in person. I also don’t want her to worry about me. She’s probably already worried about us. Even though it’s sad to see so many people die and get hurt , I still believe that this war is worth fighting for. I believe that we will win and this country will become a better nation without having slavery. It feels so great to do something for this country. I love you and mom so much and I hope I can see you soon. 

Love,

Emma 

(John Carol)