July 22, 1861

Dear Tom,                                                                                           

It’s been two months since I wrote you my first letter, two months since you were sent to stand alongside the Union Army. Why haven’t you responded? A week ago, I caught Maria speaking with our neighbor, Elanor ́s, brown slave boy again. I don’t know how to tell her that speaking to filthy, soiled slaves won’t be good for her exams next week. I worry about her and I am scared Tom. All I see is corpses decorating my house when people come to me asking for medical attention. I have never nursed before, let alone have people depending on me to save their lives. 

Over 400 people perished over the past few months near river bull run, Virginia. I ́ve had three people come in wounded and shot today and I just sat there looking at them helplessly while struggling to hold back a Tsunami from my ocean blue eyes. I sat there drowning in what seems to be a bath filled with blood and tears from families that have lost these brave soldiers. 

Yesterday, I was helping Mariah with her math when I heard that us, confederates won! I was so sure that the North was going to win. I read in the newspaper that the Northerner ́s even had picnics to watch what they thought would be their victory.  Maria however, went into her room and didn’t talk to me until another soldier cam stumbling in clutching his heart while wiping a cut from his forehead. 

I have never felt more alone and I miss you more and more every day. I know that you are busy but I hope you get a chance to write back and help me feel less crazy about telling Maria what to do all the time even though I know it is for her own good. She might not say it but I know she misses you just as much as I do and we are both prayin for your health daily. Please come back soon.

Love,

Beth