July 2, 1863

Dear Sally,

It is me John West, we are still in battle at Gettysburg, the South doesn’t want to surrender. Yesterday we made some ground, but we are losing men by the minute. I’m not sure when I’ll be able to write to you again or if I will ever get the chance to see you again. General Meade is telling us to do our best and he thinks by tomorrow we will have the South gone. There are so many that I have had to help in the field. Performing surgery in the field has not been easy and I’m fearful that many may die from infection. Every house, farm, and church around here is a graveyard and soon our army will have shrunk to the size of the South’s. 

All this war has been really hard. So many people have fallen and I have seen so many of my patients die from infection. I wish so badly that this war could be over and that I can come home to you. Sometimes the thought of you and little Tommy, our son, is the only thing that keeps me going. I do hope that you are doing ok at home. I know that many soldiers have come through demanding food. This fight will hopefully make the South think first if they attack again. This war to me is scary and sad, too many have fallen for rights that we blacks should have been born with. I hope that you can write back soon. I love you and Tommy with all my heart and I hope that you are doing well.

Love,

John