April 14, 1861

My dearest Sister,

On April 12, 1861 I woke up to the sound of cannons and guns firing. It had only been around two hours after midnight. As you know I live by the Charleston Harbor, across from Fort Sumter. It was the Rebels again, they had been waiting to attack. I had been observing them and I could tell they had been at work building batteries and surrounding the Union. 

Over the course of around three months the Rebels had taken over, surrounding Fort Sumter. The Rebels had been getting ready to attack the Union. I had been reading the paper and on April 9th, Jefferson Davis and the Rebels cabinet decided to “strike a blow,” and they fired on Fort Sumter. I could hear it loud and clear from my small home. Yesterday afternoon, the Union surrendered to avoid more battle. I saw the Union soldiers evacuate earlier today and leave the harbor, which now belongs to the Rebels.

I don’t think war accomplishes anything. All war is devastating and I feel as though it shows who people really are. I’m worried this war will be a long and terrible one, like my neighbors are saying. However, I am hopeful by the end of this, slavery will be abolished. I would hate to lose so much of my humanity like the many slaves. I’ve been fortunate to be able to write to you. Slavery is a horrible thing and sometimes I feel ashamed our country treats people like that.

As merely a civilian, I do not know what’s going to happen or is happening on either side. Life has never been like this before. I’m in a great deal of fear and I pray you are safe. This war has made me fearful and more careful. If it is like anything in the paper, this battle at Fort Sumter has declared war for the North and the South. Who knows if there will be more battles and if I’ll have to hear the sound of cannons and guns firing again. I will be safe and careful and write to you soon. Please do write back to ensure you are safe and let me know what it’s like where you are. I am hopeful the Union will come out on top. They say this battle is the start of a long dreary war.

Your loving sister, 

Rachel