Voices from the past

The semester is almost over and while things are a bit crazy.  However, I have had time to start a little research on women's diaries and letters from the civil war period. It's been very interesting and I've come to conclusion that no matter what time period, we all have the same cares and concerns. The everyday news from home. The whining and concern for safety among other things. Here is just a sample of what I've found.  Enjoy.

Letter from Harriet Jane Thompson to William G. Thompson, August 30, 1862


"I wrote you a short note the evening I got here but I thought you would want to hear from me again. I directed my other letter to Benton Barracks and I have worried so for fear you would not be there to get it. I looked for one from you last night but I was disappointed. I felt a little homesick last night and I do hope Solomon will be down for me today for I have heard nothing but complaining since I got here. When it is not about her (Lauretta) being sick and about her wishing she was strong as I am, it is about John being gone to war and I have got tired and sick of it. Just as though her husband was any better to go than mine and I do not think that she loves him any more but I would rather have my husband in the army than a coward by my side althought it is very lonely. It is the first thing in the morning and the last thing when I go to bed wondering where you are and if you are well. I hope you will take good care of yourself and be careful and not take cold for you had a cough when I was there and if you are not careful you will be ill. . ."

Then from November from the same wife

"Mr. Risker wants to get our cow. He says we have a meat bill there and he wants the cow. I wish you would tell me what to do. He says he will give $13.00 for her. . . . Oh dear, I do wish you were at home. I have heard since I got home that you were marching back to Springfield and I am in hopes you can get a furlough and come home. I wish you would resign. This thing of living alone is awful. I wish this terrible war was over. Please excuse this bad writing for I am in a hurry to get this in before the mail closes. Will you come home in the Spring to stay? Write soon and often to your wife,  Jane"