Civil+war+notes

From a Union Soldier Letter to the editor

Dear, Editor

My name is John Buckworth, I am a soldier representing the Union. I believe we need new uniforms, people around here get sick often, because they are not kept warm. I am writing to you because I think you and the others reading this will help. At least try to help us. I am one of the more fortunate soldiers, I have a decent uniform. I wash it when were near water, and try to stay clean so I don’t get weird types of infectious diseases. I do have holes in my uniform but they aren’t as bad as most of the peoples around here. I know how to sew, and if you would send, fabric, money, needle and thread we could get new uniforms and patch up the old ones for combat.

I am only 21 years old; I have a wife, and a daughter. You cannot imagine what it’s like to be away from them. Send food and money to the wives and children of the men doing their duty to keep the country and towns safe, give them things. They have no one to supply for them. It’s hard to take care of yourself as a woman. Because you don’t get to work the men do all the hard labor. They make your money, hunt your food. Keep you taken care of. They do cleaning, and dishwashing. How are they supposed to make a living by themselves. They would have to find another man to take care of them. I sure do not want some other guy watching my little girl grow up. When I could have been their. Please just help everyone in need at this time. People will be coming home soon hopefully. But were starved, and skinnier than ever.

Us soldiers take care of each other, if we don't have the rights supplys to do it. then how are we going to do it... we need food, water, clothing, shoes, soap, towels, and much more, its not clean. Its not safe, we fight to survive, and its not just "war fight" its fighting the flue and more. Getting constant colds, people dieing of hypothermia, phnenomia, starvation. Doesnt that mean anything to you. we need, help, helping you should be helping us. Were keeping you safe, so you should be keeping us warm, fed, clothed,shoed, and CLEAN.

sincerly, John Buckworth