War Letters....

I came across a Civil War letter from a soldier to his wife and it really hit me hard, almost to tears. His words and the feelings surrounding "this" war seem like it could have been written by a soldier in the modern era fighting now. Brave. Dutiful. Loving. Optimistic. Patriotic. Moving.

"We should remember it is not for ourselves alone we labor. Our revolutionary fathers planted the seed of liberty - nurtured the tender plants & watered it with their blood, & for what? That we, their offspring might eat of the fruits thereof.Are we less patriotic than they? Should it be said, that the sons of such sires have become so selfish that they look only to the present enforcement of themselves & sit comfy and witness the manufacture of the chains that are being prepared for their children? I know you will say no. I am aware that there are those who pretend to believe that this war might have been averted - that it was in the power of certain southern men to have prevented hostilities between the two sections & that those men are responsible for the evils we are now experiencing. I am one of those who do not think it could have been consistent with Southern honor. And now my darling, should you be so unfortunate as to have to make that sacrifice you so much fear, do it with that Christian & patriotic resignation that so characterized the Spartan women. But my dear Sue I do feel that with the prayers of my dear wife & those of my little ones living constantly presented for my safety and for my return, I shall be spared to be happy again with you and them as in days past. Our prospects are brightening."