July 22, 1861

John Stuart
Near Washington, D.C

Dear William,
It has been a while since I last wrote to you, and I regret to inform you that Frederick and Charles have both passed away. I hate to tell you through this letter, but I need to lay low, in case any of those damned Confederates catch me.
As mentioned before, Frederick and Charles have both died. We were marching to Richmond, when we were attacked by multiple Confederate soldiers. We had made it maybe twenty-five miles or so when we were attacked. Frederick was shot first, in the arm, in those first few seconds where we were attacked. Charles and I dragged him back, to try and get him a doctor, and when we picked him up he was shot again, this time ending the life of our dear friend. We continued to fight, Charles and I raging over his death, until we were pushed back and we scurried back towards Washington.
While running, Charles was shot. As I write this, I remember the moment exactly; he crumpled over and I hurriedly picked him up. I ended up making it back towards Washington with him. I tried to tend to Charles, but he passed away. His last words were to tell you to pray for me, so that I don’t end up dead like him and Frederick. As his body lays feet away from me, looking like he’s asleep, I can remember all the fun the four of us had. I am overcome with grief at the loss of those two, and I cannot imagine life without them. This war was supposed to help us, but all it’s done is cause sadness. I’ll never be able to get their blood out of my clothes.
I remember when President Lincoln called for volunteers to serve for the Union. We thought that this war would be a good thing, that it would be fun. Us three thought you were an idiot for not enlisting. Now I see why. You told us this would be a terrible war, but it’s only the beginning now. I’ll have to fight through. I’ve tried to maintain my sanity, but I’ve seen death too many times in the past months. With Frederick and Charles both gone, I wonder how I’ll do on my own. War never changes, it is and always will be a terrible, terrible thing. You told me that, and now I believe you. War changes who we are. War doesn’t help us as individuals, it helps those who order the war. Those people don’t know bloodshed, they know tales of what we’ve seen, William. You were smart to stay behind, to not be a guinea pig to these politicians. William, for all that you’re worth, I’m sorry I didn’t listen to you, and I’m sure if Charles and Frederick knew about this horror, they would apologize too.

Tell your family I say hello, and ask them to pray for me.

Sincerely,
Johnny