July 27th 1861

Dear Father,

Last week, there was a battle here in Richmond. I woke up on the 18th of July to loud shouts coming from outside. Mother rushed into the room and told me to be quiet, and we looked out the window. The Yanks were marching in to capture our town! Then, a few minutes later, at around 5:30am, I heard the first gunshot. But the stupid Yanks did not have a chance. We were strong strong strong and were able to beat them and made them run away like little babies screaming. General McDowell tried to sneak up on us but we were ready for them. We beat them on Chinn Ridge. Those days were hard, and I struggled to keep humanity. I was able to keep it by making new friends and playing with all my toys. When we won and the Yanks ran I went outside to play with the boys mimicking the battle. I was about to kill a Yyank when mother called me in. 

I don’t understand war. Why are all the men fighting? All that war accomplishes is death. There should not need to be death if what is happening is nothing more than having an argument. Mama and I have arguments all the time! I wouldn’t try to kill for me to win. When are you coming home?  I miss you. I made myself a new toy. I named it Sammy, after you. But then all of the injured soldiers started coming into our home. I had to help mother cut of a hand. We let that man sleep in my bed but he died the next morning. We all miss you, and we are running out of room here. The general won’t transfer them anywhere else and there are almost 20 people in our house. Our lives shouldn’t depend on two peoples opinions. Please write back soon, we need you here more than ever.

Sincerely,

Anna