July 4, 1863

Mother and Father,

We won! General George Gordon Meade led us to meet General Robert E. Lee’s army, “The Army of Northern Virginia”, by the Pennsylvania crossroads town of Gettysburg. Our army, “The Army of Potomac”, fought General Lee’s army. The battle lasted 3 days, from July 1 to July 3, 1863. People called it the “High Water Mark of the Rebellion”. Our victory made the Confederate States lose hope for their independence. Today, I overheard that Vicksburg, Mississippi has surrendered to us. Now the Union has full control of the Mississippi River. I also heard that General Lee is going back to Virginia. 

I am so happy I was able to contribute to the Union victory. But I did get shot in the leg. The nurses here at this hospital are so kind, but I don’t know if I will be able to come home to see you. Many of my fellow soldiers have already died from unsanitary medical conditions. I may be the next. I can barely hold this pen as I am writing this letter. But, even though these conditions are hard, I do not regret joining General Meade’s army. He is a great leader, and I am very proud of him and of my fellow soldiers that we have defeated the Confederates. 

If this is the last letter I write to you, know that I love you Mother and Father very much. Know that I am very proud to serve our people. I will have one of the nurses send you a letter along with all of my things. I wish I could say goodbye to you in person, but I may not be able to see you again.

With lots of Hugs and Kisses,

Raymond Stone