Letter #2
Dear Mother,
The much awaited war has finally started and I am getting very excited. A naval sign up has been posted on the town billboard and I have signed up. I am waiting to hear back if they will actually be able to use me. I am very glad how this war has been going so far because even though they have more soldiers than we do we are still beating them, but sadly we retreated in the battle of Antietam. They should not have one that war and I feel that Abraham Lincoln is getting too excited because that’s the last one they will win. I am glad that Robert E. Lee is the Commander because he has very good judgement and he is fighting for a purpose and he is a model for his men. I feel that the best thing for you right now is to come and live with us because the war is getting very intense in Maryland and it will definitely spread. We would be heartbroken if anything bad happens. Alice and the children are fine as well. Sending my Love
    - your loving son John oxo