Letters from American Civil War
November 21st, 1863
Betsy Lawrence
386 Rivington Road 7th Avenue
Apt No. 2
New York City, NY
To My Dear Betsy:
I want to thank you for curing my wounds and taking care of me in the worst times. It’s only been a few days since I left, but I am already missing you so much. Sorry, I cannot accompany you, but I promise I will move up north once the war is over.
Well, I don’t think this war is doing any good for our country.
It is such a tragedy for our country, if our founding fathers were still alive, they must have been disappointed, why would one nation’s people fight against each other? Even though we people might have different ideas, we should not fight to figure out the answer, we should make compromises and use knowledge, intelligent to find out the best way to solve the problem.
I was a plantation worker before the war started, I learned nothing instead of basic planting skills.
But with the war going on, I thought I might have a whole new life experience if I joined the army, and it was true, every day I can promise whether there is a tomorrow or not, which makes me realize life is precious and valuable. But on the opposite side, I lived through one of human kinds’ cruelest battles ever. The battle of Gettysburg was a nightmare, it was extremely intense that our General Reynolds was shot on the battlefield (Primary Source: Harper’s Weekly– Reminiscence of Gettysburg).
But anyway, let’s not talk about the war anymore! How are you doing now that you are back in New York? There is one question I have always wanted to ask, why is a girl like you traveling in the army to help the injured? Isn’t staying in the city way comfortable than running around with a bunch of men?
Thanks again for helping me get through the pain, I am looking forward to moving up to New York. Love you Besty, hope you can send me a reply letter as soon as you finished reading this!
Love,
Thomas Reynolds
December 25th, 1863
Thomas Reynolds
176 Alward Street
Apt. No.17
St. Augustine, FL
To My Love, Thomas:
I’m so glad you are able to contact me, and your decision to move to New York is splendid! I can already imagine what it will be like when you arrive here.
First, as a nurse it is my duty help the injured no matter what, I give out my best to cure the patient, so taking care of you is what I have to do, you shouldn’t thank me! Answering your questions from the previous letter, my father is the minister of New York City, so he told me to help him collect tax while me and other nurses travel with the Union army to give medication help for our soldiers.
After reading your letter, I figured out we have a similar idea of the civil war. As you already know I don’t think this war is necessary, war is nothing other than killing others. Why can’t the people of our nation learn to make peace? But, all that really matters now, is that you are safe and alive.
After all, we cannot change what already happened, but we can pray the war can be over soon. Has your injuries recovered after using the medicines I gave you? I know the battles are tough so try your best to be alive, or else I don’t know what I can do for the rest of my life. Can’t wait until you come back to New York!
Love You As Always,
Betsy Lawrence
