We are deep into the study of the Civil War around here. Gracen is loving it. It is neat to see her begin to deeply question reasons for events and for people's actions--and to begin the process of gaining answers to those questions. In earlier studies, she labeled "bad" people (the Pope from the Reformation era, Genghis Khan, and Napoleon) as "skunks". The skunk list got another member yesterday--General Sherman. I don't think I can adequately describe her outrage at reading about his March to the Sea.
One of her assignments for today was to pretend to be a Civil War soldier and write a letter home. Her assignment included telling the family what she saw/did, people she met, and things that she wanted or needed. She quickly asked if she could be a Civil War nurse and write a letter to her family (she had been reading about Clara Barton).
Here is her letter.
To: Felicity Johnston
Savannah, Georgia
January 12, 1862
Dear Felicity,
How are Mother and Father? As you know I have been away for one whole year. When I first came the war was just starting. I had to go through many months of training before I could actually begin nursing. I have been very busy tearing linen for bandages and many other things.
I have seen many wounded, dying soldiers, all the time crying for help. I can not count how many messages I have written down for the soldiers' families. Every day I see thousands of soldiers coming and going. It seems like there are more every time.
Even though I have only been here a year, it seems like forever. At first it was not witnessing deaths every day. I got to meet three major people: Robert E. Lee, Stonewall Jackson, and, last but nowhere near least, Abraham Lincoln. He was very kind and was welcomed with pleasure. I assured him I would care for every soldier on every side.
I wish you all were with me. I also long for one of Mother's home cooked meals and one of Father's stories. I hope to be home soon but I do not see the end anywhere near here.
Sincerely,
Elizabeth Johnston
Richmond, Virginia
3 comments:
Wow. Gracen, that was beautifully and artfully written. Dana, you are doing an awesome job of teaching your daughter!
WOW!!!!!!!!!
We are just starting into the Civil war as well.
Gracen's letter is amazing! Isn't it fun to see your kids be excited about history? I am loving re-learning all this stuff too!
Post a Comment