Dear John Wilkes Booth,        

September 17, 1862 Sharpsburg MD

The Antietam Battle continues to wage and is progressively getting worse for us Confederates. I’m not sure how much longer we can last. Commander Robert E. Lee is considering resignation tomorrow and my sorrow for our beloved Confederacy is immense. The battle has lasted for two days now and there have been more than ten thousand reported casualties. I’m beginning to worry this battle could be the end of the Civil War, and the end of the Confederacy.

The battle has focused even more on fighting further North. It’s much colder here and much harder to bring resources. Robert Lee says that it’s for the best to gain control of more territory but I’m not so sure. So far it doesn’t feel like a very good strategy.

My civilian parents are also feeling the impacts of the losses in Tennessee. People are abrasive and argue as the Confederacy seems even more divided than ever.

I’m in ruin and must confess my strife. My company, which consisted of many of my comrades and friends, fought vigilantly and with ferocity. Every single one of them died yesterday and I ache with loneliness and despair. My high hopes of winning the war were dashed after seeing the bloody massacre that took place today. The Unions Coup de Main was devastating; wiping out half of our company in less than five minutes. The resources they had were overwhelming, having twice the amount of malita power, nurses (which consisted of women?!), and breech loading guns. It’s a horrible thing, war, and anger towards the Union burns from the bottom of my heart. With no one to turn to, I’ve come to you for advice. 

The Confederacy is falling apart, I believe we’re both sure of this. I’m willing to do whatever it takes to take over the Union and establish Confederate control. I’ve heard of your many different attempts at kidnapping President Lincoln and possibly after this battle is over I can join you and help in any way I can. I’m willing to do whatever it takes so long as I get my vengeance on the Union. 

I’m telling you this because we need change. I can’t continuously lose hope every time; I don’t think any of us can. I’m worried about how much talk of surrender there is, how much discussion of loss there is. It’s becoming more and more common for many brethren to simply leave and resume their daily lives. The Union has brainwashed our soldiers! We need to do something, and fast. Something that will change the course of this war, forget the war, the course of history! You’re my last hope, my savior. I believe that you can change this battle with all of your prosperity and fame. I’m proud to have represented the Confederacy and will continue to so long as I live. Please write back soon, “For the Southerners rights, Hurrah!”

Sincerely, Ray Wilken