Dear Papa,

How are you holding up? Where are you? As I’m writing this I fear that Mama will not come back from the medical tent. It must be really uncomfortable lying on the bed made with wood. I think she’s got a pretty bad case of the shakes. Cairo has been torn to pieces since I got here. It’s gradually been gettin’ worse and worse. It’s chaos, with no rhyme or reason. Some doctors are too afraid to treat their own patients because they fear to get sick too. When are you coming back? I know being a doctor in the Army is difficult, but life without you is difficult too. The Shiloh War has just broken out, I’m considering joining the Army. I know you might think this is foolish, but I want to have the chance to be with you and I think I could do some good, maybe even accomplish something. 

I know we need to fight this war to put an end to slavery. Slaves suffer so much and they have no power. People can’t fight when they have no power or weapons, so we have to fight for them. But it is frightening to know there has been so much bloodshed. Lots of people, more than what I’ve seen, are dying a couple of miles from where I am. I’m not worried though because the war is located at the bottom of Tennessee, very far south. War has changed the way I view my life. I feel like I should be more grateful when our family is together. On top of all that, I still don’t understand the world I was born into and war is making me more confused. Anyway, I put my trust in General Grant and General Buell, but the Confederate’s General Johnston and General Beauregard seem fierce. Fortunately for us, General Johnston was shot which gives us a lot more hope. I’m going to keep writing to you. I just gotta do something to keep my mind from going crazy. Whether it’s writing to you or attending school here. I hope to see you soon.

Your loving son, 

Frederick