Hello, my name is Milton   I'm 17 years old. I wrote this diary so I can keep track of what's going on, being in the war and all. One Secret I'm a slave, well not really, more like runaway now. I actully became a soldier to escape my slave owner, pretty stupid idea now that I think of it escaping slavery to something just as worse. I actully learned to read and write off of food products. I think my first word I read was mustard, after I learned to secretly write I knew it was time to go, another secret. Im not a guy, my real name is Wendy but obviously I had to change it, its pretty hard to pretend to be a white guy when you're a black girl, but i think I pulled it off pretty well. Speaking of war and food products were low on food products here,  I'm stuck at a federal fort in some kinda harbor, Charleston harbor I think. You might wonder why im stuck well the obvious answer the Confederates took over the place. I dont really know whats happening other than that. Im trying to be the average one here not sticking out so they dont catch on to me being a girl. Until the Captain forced me to defend the fort again this is the 3rd time, but I'm the only one here sufficent enough so I dont blame him. I haven't eaten for days. Some of the soldiers are trying to eat peices of their clothes. I may be dumb, but I'm not stupid enough to do that. I heard from the Captain that the president is sending non-military supplies soon. That's gonna be nice, I guess. I hope it's soon because these guys keep eating their clothes or anything they have. I think our captain has been hiding some of the rations from the soldiers.

Father had long abandoned this world, leaving me and Mom to fend for ourselves and face the harsh reality of being our only providers in a codependent society.

I was later wedded to a man once I hit the appropriate age. Although I was on edge around this stranger I held no affection for, we had grown to bond with one another.

Though... I never saw him as a husband, but rather as a good friend of mine. He seemed to come to terms with that fact, and we remained happy on his family's farm.

That was until chaos broke out on a cruel sunny day in North Carolina.

Now see, I wasn't anywhere near N.C. I was with my husband, tending to the crops and preparing them for the harvesting season.

But we had gotten news of a civil war threatening to spark, and there was no way of telling if we were safe or not.

I begged Casmire not to enlist in the Confederate Army. To which he rested a reassuring hand on my cheek, his loving eyes gazing into mine. He looked me dead in the eyes and swore on his bloodline that he'll stay at home. With me and our dancing wheat crops.

His arm trembled under my sharp scrutiny, and I could feel the way his breath was caught in his throat. He was lying under pure pressure, and yet I said nothing.

It wasn't to my surprise that I discovered our bed was lighter than usual that next morning, on the day a Civil War broke out.

However, it still struck me how quick he was to go out and enlist the day the North and South could finally settle years of sectionalism and being divided by politics and boundaries.

You see, the North and South's rivalry was old news to us common folk. Heck, I have even heard of the disdain and contempt spreading to Congressmen like the Bubonic Plague. And as long as this game of tug o' war didn't reach the farm, then quite frankly it ain't none of my business

We shall see if Casmire will come crawling back to me and the farm once he realizes this war stuff doesn't suit his critique. I reckon this was only an impulsive decision of his. Plus, it wasn't like this "War" was going to last very long anyway. I bet our cheese will grow older than this battle either way.

It's been a few days since I wrote anything, but thankfully, the supplies did arrive but The bad news is that the Confederates had surrounded our fort. Though our general surrendered, and we evacuated Luckily, no one was hurt.

It's been a few months now, and I have rejoined the fight this time more prepared than before, but I fear that we are inexperienced in the arts of war. Are enemy had screamed, and we all had fled to the hills I had nearly made it out with my life this day.

I have returned to battle, albeit reluctantly, but now we are on ships, and today I learned I am very much sea sick, but that isn't important because the we managed to block the Confederates southern ports.

It was so hard to get into the Union. But I know this is what I want. Father wouldn't approve but mother always told me to do what I want, and this is what I want to do. I'm here now. I'm hiding as a soldier in the army. Today the general told us that we would be going to Fort Sumpter to fight against the Confederate army. All because we brought over necessary supplies for survival. They said that they thought of it as an act of aggression.

Later that day,

We've started the battle and it isn't going very well we're 30 hours into this battle and we're barely holding on! I've been shot in my left shoulder with a very dull bullet and it's still in my shoulder. I can't go to the nurse. They might find out my identity.

April 13, 1862,

It's been 34 hours since the start of the battle and Major Anderson has just made us surrender and evacuate. I found a nurse to get the bullet out of me and she didn't ask any questions so I think I'm safe on that front but I won't be able to use my arm for a few weeks. I'm relieved that we're all safe but I'm angry that we lost the Fort. So annoying when we tried so hard to keep it. I'll write some more later.

Fort Sumter lit the spark. Bull Run showed us the price. This war has only just begun, but already I feel changed. Older. Harder.
And I fear we’ve only seen a glimpse of what’s to come.

Wendy Johnson (gabriella) march 5th 1862

Hello, my name is Milton   I'm 17 years old. One Secret I'm a slave, well not really, more like runaway now,  I actully became a soldier to escape my slave owner, pretty stupid idea now that i think of it, escaping slavery into a war. I actully learned to read and write off of food products, i think my first word i read was mustard, after i learned to secretly write i knew, it was time to go,another secret, im not a guy, my real name is wendy but obviously i had to change it, its pretty hard to pretend to be a european guy when your a african american girl but i think i pulled it off pretty well. Speaking of war and food products were low on food products here,  im stuck at a federal fort in some kinda harbor, Charleston i think. I dont really know whats happening other than the captain saying were under attack by the Confederates and random guys shooting at us with some weird devilish screaming noise (rebel yell) . Im trying to be the average one here not sticking out, until the captain picked me up and forced me to defend the fort this is like the third time, but im the only one sufficent so i have to, I havent eaten for days. One of the soldiers keeps eating his own clothes. I may be dumb but im not stupid enough to do that. I heard from the captain that the president is sending nonmilitary supplies soon, thats gonna be nice i guess. I hope its soon because these guys keep eating their clothes or anything they have. I bet our captain has been hiding some of the rations from the soldiers. 

APril 12th 1826

okay so no introduction here the confederates surronded the base and started attacking becuase they saw the non military suppllies as an act of agression which i find really stupid right now but  the whole base is riddled with bullet holes, none of us died but were very injured, i got a bullet in my leg, theres no nurses but i tried to pick the bullet out myself oh yeah, i started eating my own clothes cause a whole month passed and we havent had any supplies, the other soldiers think im weird because i wont talk about my life to them well what am i supposed to them im an african american girl and i grew up on a farm tending cotton without a dad!? so maybe later ill make up a really traumatizing backstory like oh my father was a confederate or something

Next thing I knew, I was in Fort Sumter 6 months later, forgetting my daughter for a split second when I heard the terrible sounds of my fellows dying, some ending when the cannons fired. I couldn't yet mourn them, just be glad it wasn't me. After a long battle, I was ready to go home. But no- not home, to camp. My head feels light, and so does my stomach after all the belching. Grabbing my wounded comrade, Joe, then my gun, then made a run for it. Well, not quite run since he was in pain with a missing arm and all. Then I heard it, just a little ways, my captain struggling to run. I wonder why. That's just when I watched a shell split him into two. My jaw drops, and I look down. It's happened too many times today. Why am I only now caring? I never liked the guy anyway. All he did was yell and scold me for my form while reloading my gun. But I guess I'll never get over the sight of spilling organs. And whether I liked him or not, I spent a whole 6 months getting to know these people as a rookie. Anyway, I had bigger problems, I you would call them any bigger. I pull Joe onto the nearest stretcher. I'm exhausted and collapse when I get to the tent. Though my comrades' voices and corpses haunted my dreams.

Hiding undercover at 17 years old to be in the union is hard work. I want to be a part of something. I want to fight. Especially when it comes to defending Fort Sumter from the Confederates. Back at home, my family would be hard on me. My parents would always punish me when I did something that was slightly off. But I knew if I joined the union, I would put an end to that. Fighting for honor. As I sat inside the trench, the sun facing my back, I was falling asleep. I couldn't sleep last night because I was too busy thinking about my decision to join the army. "Jones! Come on, what are you doing?" Shouted one of the soldiers, I hated dearly, Fred Smith. That wasn't a question, it was more of a way to yell at me. The sun beaming on my back wasn't helping either. Suddenly, I hear a loud noise. A loud bang. I clutch my rifle and reload. I struggle with putting the stick. Putting in and out. I drop it. I then grab it and put it inside the rifle. I aim through the hole in the trench. Lock in my target, and fire. I hear a few shots fired back at me. Oh boy. I see the bullets come straight at me! Dodging it left and right, I barely made it out alive. From all the dodging, I suddenly trip on nothing. Hitting the floor hard. Everything goes blurry. And in the background, I can hear Fred Smith yelling voice distant in the background.

July 21st 1861: I just saw the most flabbergasting thing ever, sorry for the weird words, i just got a dictionary, im trying to fit in with the other soldiers by talking like them, they say i talk “weird” i dont see whats wrong with my talking but i got to fix it before they notice anyways we went tob war again, earlier we also learned how to load a gun, it was pretty easy except the stick jamming part, our captian did it so fast its like it was breathing to him. Also tha captain died the same day. Oh i forgot to tell about the war part so basically we were in the first battle of the civil war, i noticed right off a lot of these people were inexperienced im not trying to flex but they were really bad. Then i saw people lining up with picnic baskets and carriages like they were watching a moving picture then just as i excpected war stuff, wveryone ran away, even some soldiers got scared by the devil screaming whihc i now figured out was called a rebel yell oh and about the captains death, i saw it myself while tryigng to jam the gun peice insdie so i could shoot.. Someone sliced him open with bullets, i got a bit angry, i liked the captian, so i attacked the guy while using the rifle as a bat, i got shot in the leg 3 or maybe 5 times but now the guys dead, so i say its a win obviously we lost, turns out they unleashed a counter attack i didnt really know becuase all i heard was bullets but now we dont have a captain, just our luck  

Hello, my name is Nevaya, I’m 16 years old. I was forced into the war by the government. They had left enslaved people no choice but to be put into the war. We were considered other people property. I come from the south and have been working since I was about 8 years old, and I had gotten split up with my family when I became a slave, and I had not ever seen them since. But the experiences I had being in the war were cruel. A moment I had was before sun had even risen, and shouting had began. I woke up on the cold dirt with my hearting beating fast than I’ve ever felt it. As I was slowly waking up soldiers are rushing past me, grabbing guns and loading wagons. I had gotten out of bed and grabbed a gun as fast as can possible. Smoke rose in the distance. Union soldiers were near. A cannon boomed nearby dirt in my face. My ears were ringing I could barely focus I covered my head and felt like crying. But I thought about the time of being pulled away from my family and how upset that made me. So I had gotten back up and helped to fight and I will never forget this moment because it was the most traumatic experience I had ever had.

Hi, I’m Callie Baker. I’m 16 years old and in the Union. I know I’m still young, but I want to fight for my family, my community, and to end this long lasting stigma. Every person counts they say. The war has officially began. Fort Sumter got attacked, sadly. I’m really nervous, my stomach is in knots and my hands are sweaty and cold at the same time. I can hear the cannons in the distance, and every boom makes my chest tighten. I felt the need to help when the South still wanted to continue slavery and did anything in their power to keep it. Two years ago, Abraham Lincoln got elected and the South went furious. He promised he wouldn’t do anything to them and their opinions, but the South still seceded. I don’t want slavery to continue, I just want my people free. Tears fall down my uniform as I pray we win and get freedom. It hurts how I have to disguise myself to fight for my rights. When I step foot ready to fight, I remember what Miss Harriet Tubman said. She says, “Finally you realize the snake ain’t gonna stop until someone kills, slavery is still alive.”. “Now’s our time.” I take a deep breath, another tear falls down my face. Then I start to load up my rifle. As I struggle to put in the stick, I hide and start to pray. Trusting that If I fight and show my courage, just at 16 years old I’ll win freedom. In my head I hear my Mama’s voice, “You got this Cal.” A bullet just flew over me, then I locked in my target, and fire.

Hello, my name is Katherine Kendrick, and I’m 16 years old. I’m proud to be part of the Union. Today, everything changed Fort Sumter was attacked and now the war has truly begun. I’m nervous, but if we win, my people could finally be free. Still I can’t help but wonder. what if we lose? I could hear people shouting in the streets. Soldiers were rushing to get ready. We all knew war was coming, but it still hit me like a cannon. the past few months I’ve been helping Miss Harriet Tubman with the Underground Railroad. She trusts me to carry messages, hide people for their freedom, and move supplies. She treats me like I matter, and that gives me strength. She says this war isn’t just about land it’s about freedom. I believe her. My parents were born into slavery, but they escaped before I was born. Because of them, I grew up free. Now it’s my turn to fight in the ways I can. When I heard the first guns fire, I froze. I wasn’t there, but I felt it deep inside. I’m scared but more than that, I’m angry. Angry that people still treat others like property. Angry that we have to fight just to be free. I helped pack food, cloth, and supplies for the soldiers. My hands shook not because I’m weak, but because I understand how real this is now. No more waiting. No more silence. Even girls like me have a part to play. This war is going to be long and hard. But I won’t let fear stop me not when so many lives are depending on what we do.

Before enlisting, I worked at a factory that produced silk clothing. I was also courting a young woman who happened to live near me. We were planning to get married soon, but I enlisted before considering that, so we decided to get married after the fight.

I got told to come to a place called "Fort Sumter" and I went with a lot of other men. Over 75 thousand men showed up to the fight along with me, however, we got turned away. We were told that there were too many of us, and to go back since we weren't needed. I went back to base with a lot of other soldiers, and on the ride back, we were talking about our lives at home. As we were talking, we got word that they needed desperate back up back at Fort Sumter. When we arrived, there were hundreds, even thousands of dead men, and loud gunshots and cannonballs as we fought. I hid behind a barricade, only peeking out occasionally to assist my commrads that were nearby.

A lot has happened since the war started. After the Battle of Bull Run, I was shocked. Everyone thought the Union would win fast, but we didn’t. Our soldiers ran back scared, and people in the streets were angry and confused. I was nervous too, but it made me want to help even more. I kept working with Miss Harriet Tubman, helping move supplies, hide people, and pass messages. When the Seven Days Battles happened, it was even worse. The fighting lasted a whole week near Richmond, and the Confederates pushed us back. I helped take care of wounded soldiers who came north cleaning cuts, bringing water, and trying to stay strong even when I felt like crying. Some of those boys weren’t much older than me. One of the doctors helping them was Alexander Thomas Augusta, a Black doctor in the Union Army. He was calm and smart, and seeing him made me proud. It reminded me that people like us have important roles too. Earlier this year, I heard about the Battle of the Ironclads, where two metal ships the Monitor and the Virginia fought out at sea. People said cannonballs bounced off the sides! I told everyone about it because it was so amazing. It felt like war was changing right in front of us. Now, more Black men are joining the army, and even though they don’t always get treated fairly, they’re still fighting for freedom. So am I. I may not be on the battlefield, but I’m helping in every way I can. Some days I’m scared, but most days I’m just ready to keep going. We have to win. Too many lives are counting on it.

Today, we are officially making history! Today is the day we are going to end the Confederate Army (aka, the southern states that seceded). I grab my 'small arms', which are a handheld weapon.

July 21 (during the war)

All hope is lost. The Confederate States aren't retreating. We thought we were going to win. Spectators are shocked. I don't know what to do. We've tried everything. Even using railroads (which are very useful by the way) to transport backup. The communicators for the telegraph are typing some sort of Morse code. I wonder what they're typing. "Retreat!" someone shouted out loud in the trench. There was no way we could win. This is embarrassing. As I was leaving to retreat, I saw our captain get cut in two by a shell. A yell comes out. Also known as the rebel yell. The Confederate States, I fear, have won.

July 21 (after the war)

General MeClellan makes an announcement saying, "You guys need more training. Time to join the Army of Potomac!" What?! More training? I guess this is what you get when you join the Union. But none taken. We do need more training.

February 1862

General MeClellan trained us for so long that Lincoln was getting impatient. Finally, we were sent back to fight the Confederate Army once more. We thought they had the same troops as last time. We were wrong. Their troops are led by General Lee, who was an aggressive general, so they attacked us. All I could remember was having broken limbs and getting knocked out. Once I opened my eyes, my surroundings were full of people with wounds and cuts. A woman comes by to take care of me and looks at my damaged arm.

March 1862

Right now, we are in the middle of a fight on the Virginia Coast. I can't believe the Confederate States also had a Union Blockade to deliver goods to the South. This fight didn't last long, though. It was like a hi and bye. There were some cannonballs, though. Late at night, I spotted three cigarettes on the road while marching. I pick it up and scan what it says on the cigarettes. They are Campaign Plans from General Lee for the war! Ooh, this is good stuff. I've got to tell my General!

The ground shook beneath me as cannons fired in the distance. Smoke filled the sky. My name is William Everett, and I’m 15 years old. I escaped slavery just a few months ago, and now I’m near Fort Sumter, watching everything unfold.

It’s April 16th, 1862. The Confederate Army is attacking Fort Sumter again. They want to break away from the Union because they fear that President Abraham Lincoln will end slavery. This war isn’t just about land or states—it’s about freedom.

As I stand on the field, there’s a fire burning inside me. I hold on to the hope that if we win, my family might finally be free. At first, that thought gives me strength—it helps me stand tall, ready to fight. But that strength doesn’t last long.

Just a few minutes into the battle, an older white soldier near me is shot. I rush to his side and press my hands on his wound, trying to stop the bleeding. I tell him to hold on, that help is coming—but then I see it in his eyes. He’s already gone.

I freeze. My hands are covered in blood. My heart sinks into my stomach. I’ve never seen someone die right in front of me. For a moment, the war feels too big, too real. I don't know what to do.

But then I remember why I’m here. I didn’t come this far to give up. I wipe my hands, stand up, and take a deep breath. This war is far from over—and neither is my fight for freedom.

Let me know if you want to continue the story or use this for a class project—I’d be happy to help more!

Kaboom! Pow! We were under attack! I grabbed a rifle and pointed toward the attackers. I managed to miss every single shot. Some of the bricks that this fort was made of were starting to crumble. I ran to find another rifle, but I couldn't find one. I couldn't find anyone! Nobody was shooting, they were all hiding. Crash! I looked around and saw Major Anderson hold up a white flag while holding a look of fear on his face. Looks like we didn't win that one. At least nobody died.

A lot has changed in just a few months, but the war still goes on. In the battle of Bullrun we the union had lost the battle, our men scared had surrendered. That day chaos errupted hundreds angry about our surrenderance. I get how they feel though, imagine having hope your side would win the war and then you would finally live a free life, just to have them surrender. Every day feels like a mix of hope and fear. I haven’t seen my family since I escaped, but I think about them all the time. I wonder if they’re safe, if they even know that I’m still alive, still fighting—just not with a rifle, but with whatever tools I can get my hands on.

News spreads fast around the camps. A few days ago, we heard the Union lost another chance to take Richmond during the Seven Days Battles. It hit us hard. But we keep working. We don’t stop. We can’t.

I’ve heard rumors about President Lincoln working on something big—something that might change everything. Some soldiers say he’s planning to free the slaves. Others say it won’t matter if we keep losing battles. I don’t know what’s true, but I hold on to hope. If there’s one thing I’ve learned since the war started, it’s that even in the darkest times, there’s always someone lighting a path forward.

His blood and brains were scattered about, with his blue uniform purple from his blood. The splatter got on my face. I clutched my rifle, attempted to load it quickly, failing spectacularly when I accidentally dropped it and the bullet within. I picked it up, aimed, and fired. It was a hit. The dude that I shot was now... still alive. Darn! It was only a flesh wound. More cannons fired, and more of my coworkers kicked the bucket. I dropped my gun, narrowly missing a cannonball, and I ran to escape this brutal bloodbath. I nicked my leg on a carriage full of bystanders, and I hopped in to hide from the onslaught. I get to live to see another day.

Telling me to take the most care of his favorite chicken, El Diablo.

And sure, while I was immensely furious at his poor decision-making, I lacked the wishful thinking to believe that Casmire would survive on that battlefield.

Each night, after the Rebels' propaganda stripped my boy away from our humble lifestyle on the farm, I thrashed and turned on the vacant bed -- lying awake with an inordinate amount of dark thoughts rushing through my head.

My mother-in-law had the same reaction as I, and I would often discover her under the porch with a solemn expression plastered on her face as she repetitively rocked herself back and forth on her antique rocking chair.

There was one thing I had to do, and it was getting Casmire back home. Alive. In one piece.

And so, in the dead of night under the moonlight -- I packed my things and fled the farm in search of my husband.

To my mother's surprise, I was standing at her doorstep. The cold breeze bit my dirtied skin, and sin stained my hands, which were calloused from all the labor I was subjected to back on the farm.

Without much words exchanged, she let me in and I rushed to my old room.

You should picture the look of horror on Mom once she saw her daughter suddenly transform into a man.

My dirty-blond locks were chopped into short, uneven layers, and I had rid of my curves and dress -- taking on a more masculine shape.

I had said nothing once more, and I was off on my own after she had gotten hold of my ear and kicked me out of her residence.

Yes, I was hurt by disgracing my mother with my unruly actions. But my focus was directed to volunteering in the war. So, I took my leave and mounted back up on my horse.

Honestly, the recruiters weren't the sharpest tools in the shed. And amusing it was, I found it concerning how quickly they were willing to take me in without any background checks.

Once I was stationed at a camp and was assigned my dog tent, I was quick to ask around for Casmire without making haste.

"Casmire? That's my second cousin's Arabian horse's name."

"Mister, do you really expect me to remember any of these fools ' names when I'm forced to take a duce out in the wilderness? I got a mosquito bite on my--"

"SOLDIER, WHAT'RE YOU DOIN'? QUIT ASKIN' QUESTIONS, YOU MARCH LIKE A WOMAN!"

Useless. This was pointless. These "Soldiers" were nasty and about as useful as a four-card flush. What was I thinking? Casmire was probably out back in Texas for all I know, and yet I was deployed all the way out in Virginia. And the trainer was letting his spit rain down on my face as I failed to march nutcracker style.

I didn't speak to the folk around me, mainly my mind wandered to different parts of my brain like... how do I use the bathroom without risking an infection? How do I march like a man? But all of those would remain unanswered as we marched down the trails of Manassas Creek. Unbeknownst to us, there was a crowd of onlookers spectating us like we were a part of a freak show.

I locked eyes with one of the people with their little picnic baskets and a nice champagne in hand. I grimaced, disdain written all over my face as we heard another group of people marching down the road.

My eyes widened, and I turned to look and see who the newcomers were. Yankees.

There they were, standing out in the field with their gaudy uniforms and sticking out like a sore thumb. Neither side wasted time, and bullets rained down on us.

My heart raced, and I began to panic upon witnessing a bloodbath play out right in front of me. Unsure of what to do, I took cover behind a fallen carriage and covered my ears to avoid any further damage from the booming sounds of gunfire.

The field was flooded once both the spectators and Yankees fled like the cowards they were. And to my surprise, I would soon find out that they were untrained and just a posse of rookies.

A grin crept up on my face once I saw the Rebels put up a good fight, refusing to back down out of patriotism for their nation.

I could tell that the Union expected a victory, but with the howls of the Rebels filling the air alongside the stench of gunpowder. And just like me, I witnessed more Yankees scatter like cockroaches and flee the scene in embarrassment.

While I didn't have any news of Casmire, I did know that even if I wasn't at the frontlines fighting bravely like the rest -- I knew this was only the beginning of our victorious reign.

Surely it couldn't possibly get worse than this, right?

Kaboom! Pow! we were under attack. I went to look what was happening outside. I saw the Southerners. So then I decided to grab my rifle and then shoot the Southerners. But the Southerners were scared of us because we were good shooters, and knocked some of the Southerners out. So then there was nobody that was hurt. And then we won.

My name is Elijah Carter, and I joined the Union army because I believe slavery is wrong, and I want to fight for freedom. I grew up in Pennsylvania, where my father was a preacher, and he always told me to stand up for what’s right. When I heard that the Confederates attacked Fort Sumter, I felt scared but also ready to help.

On April 12, 1861, the Confederates fired the first shots at Fort Sumter. I wasn’t there yet, but I heard the explosions and saw the smoke from far away. It felt like the whole world changed in one day. I kept thinking, “This is real. The war is really happening.” The Union soldiers had to surrender after 34 hours, and it made me angry that the South started the war like that.

As a press secretary, I’d tell the public that the Union didn’t want war—we were attacked first. I’d make sure they know we’re fighting to protect the country and stop slavery. People need to believe that we’re doing the right thing, even if it’s hard. I want them to support the president and the Union army. We have to stay united.

After the Battle of Fort Sumter, I was sent to fight at Bull Run. On July 21, 1861, I thought we were going to win fast, but I was wrong. It was super confusing, and everyone was running and yelling. I saw soldiers fall and cannons booming. We were supposed to win, but the Confederates pushed us back, and we had to retreat. I felt embarrassed and scared.

Later, during the Seven Days Battles in June and July of 1862, we fought near Richmond. It was muddy, hot, and full of danger. I watched friends get hurt, and the smoke made it hard to see anything. We kept moving, fighting day after day, and even though we were tired, we didn’t stop. I started to wonder if we could really win this war.

Then came something I never expected—the Battle of the Ironclads. On March 9, 1862, the Union ship Monitor fought the Confederate ship Merrimack. These ships were made of iron, and they didn’t burn or sink like normal ships. It was like something out of the future! The battle didn’t really have a winner, but I felt proud that our navy stood strong.

As the press secretary, I’d explain to the public that even when battles are hard, we’re learning and getting stronger. The Ironclads showed that the Union is smart and ready for anything. I’d remind people that we’re fighting for freedom and unity, and we can’t give up. I still believe we’re doing the right thing.

Me and my men are so tired that we can't feel our limbs. We are still fighting this, we are strong enough to do this.

We have fought for a long time in that battle. Like 7 DAYS, like WHAT. Fighting for 7 DAYS is a living hell.

7 Days later......

I went to my mothers house. I found that she had a man that was my AGE. I said "Hi, I am Wendy." And then mom said "Wendy met, James, you guys are going to get married." I gasped*

I joined my first battle, hopefully my last. The Battle of the Bull Run was chaotic and nerve wracking. Everyone thought the Union would win fast, but sadly we didn’t. All you could hear was gunshots, yelling and smoke everywhere. I was terrified, but believed that I was brave and I can get through this. I remembered Miss Harriet Tubman’s wise words, and kept going. Well, barely kept going. I ran, hid behind a tree and sobbed. I wanted to quit so badly, but I wiped my tears and stood back up. I wasn’t going to quit just because things got hard and didn’t go my way.

The Seven Days Battles was horrendous. I can’t believe this lasted for 7 days in a row. It rained a lot, so it was muddy and there was blood everywhere. Every day felt like a nightmare. We fought near Richmond Virginia. I just continued to remind myself, some families never had a second of freedom. We needed to fight for them. We didn’t win, but all of us still had hope. Hope for each other and that we’ll get through this.

That hope led us to something amazing. We heard about the Battle of the Ironclads. The confederacy had their ship, the Merrimack which was renamed to Virginia. Cannonballs bounced off of its sides, intimidating.. Thing is, we had our own ship made out of iron The Monitor. Although ours was smaller, we had better technology. For hours you could hear booms and fires.. but we both gave up and sailed away.

So, to conclude that hope led us to believing that our courage can lead us to freedom. Our ship was so phenomenal that it scared that confederacy away. Maybe we’ll get our rights back after all.

My name is Timothy Taylor Thomas, and I'm only 17 years old. Life in the Union military is so much more horrific and terrifying than I ever imagined. When I first signed up, I thought the war would be brief—just a single battle, maybe two. A quick money grab and a badge of honor to bring home. I thought I’d come back a hero. How foolish I was.

The truth is... this war is a nightmare. It’s chaos and smoke and screaming. It’s cold meals, endless drills, and sleeping with rats under your blanket. And then there’s the death—so much death. Just the other day, my best friend of eight years, Bartholomew Anderdingus, was killed in front of me. Not just killed—obliterated. His head—and most of his upper body—was torn away by a cannonball at Fort Sumter. One second he was laughing at a joke I made, the next he was... gone. The explosion was so loud I felt it shake my bones, and when I turned to look for him, there was nothing but blood and mangled flesh.

We enlisted together, both tricked by dreams of glory and adventure. We imagined ourselves brave soldiers, like in the stories—marching into battle with honor and pride. We thought maybe we’d be celebrated when we returned. That we’d be remembered. But all I can remember now is the look of surprise on Bartholomew’s face the moment before he was struck. It haunts me, clings to my mind like smoke on my clothes.

Maybe this whole war thing isn’t for me. Maybe I’m not cut out for this kind of life. I already lost someone closer than a brother, and I’m not sure I can take much more. I can still see it—his body, or what was left of it, crumpling to the ground. Blood pooled out in dark rivers. His organs spilled like sacks of flour torn open on the floor. It was the most gruesome sight I’ve ever seen, and I don’t know if I’ll ever forget it.

I barely made it out of that battle myself. A Minie ball hit my right shoulder, and the black powder from my own rifle left a searing burn across my left hand. Every time I lift it, it stings—a sharp, constant reminder that I’m still here. That I’m still breathing while Bartholomew isn’t.

And I keep asking myself: why? Why am I here? Why are any of us here, killing each other on muddy fields and blood-soaked soil?

Jacob grew up on a farm and knew His family didn’t want him to go, but he felt like he had to. At Fort Sumter, Jacob saw his first battle. Cannons fired, smoke was everywhere, and it was super loud. He wasn’t hurt, but he was really scared. After that, he knew war wasn’t a game, it was real and dangerous. Still, Jacob stayed strong and promised to keep fighting.

Being in the war was harsh and terrifying. One moment that still haunts me happened before sunrise. I was lying on the hard ground when I was startled awake by shouting all around me. My heart was pounding like a drum. Soldiers were running past me, grabbing rifles, loading wagons, yelling orders. I jumped up, grabbed a weapon, and tried to steady my hands.

In the distance, thick smoke was rising — the Union army was close. Suddenly, a cannon exploded nearby, and dirt flew into my face. My ears were ringing so loudly I could barely hear anything. I dropped to the ground, covering my head, shaking, and fighting back tears.

But then I remembered the day I was taken from my family — the pain and anger I felt. That memory gave me the strength to stand up and fight. I’ll never forget that morning. It was the most terrifying and painful moment of my life.

After the Battle of Bull Run, I was shaken. The Confederates won, and we were forced to retreat. I saw friends fall around me. I couldn’t stop shaking—I felt like a ghost. We weren’t treated like real soldiers, just bodies to send into battle. Still, I kept going.

Then came the Seven Days Battles. Seven days of blood, fear, and no rest. I lost more friends. One, Elijah, used to sing to calm us. He died with his Bible in his hand. I was exhausted, angry, and tired of being used—but I held on.

When I heard about the Battle of the Ironclads, it gave me hope. Iron ships like the Monitor and the Merrimack—technology that could change the war. Maybe it would help the Union win. And hearing stories of people like Robert Smalls, who stole a Confederate ship and sailed to freedom, reminded me that we’re more than tools—we’re strong, smart, and brave.

I still don’t know where my family is. But I’m still here. Still fighting. Still hoping.

— Avalynn

A few days later, I decided to march back. I knew that my country needed me. The Seven Days Battles had started. We’ve been tricked by the Confederates, thinking they had more soldiers than we did. This made me panic. Every day was a new battle for us. While every night, I wondered if I would ever survive the next day. I became really tired and sore from the past couple of days. We finally retreated, and I made it out alive and well. I’m relieved. I let out a breath as I marched back down the road, retreating. I gave up. But then an old pack of cigars lay in the middle of the road. I walk towards it and picked it up. I opened it up curiously and took a peek. Inside it, I spotted General Lee’s plan. I shout with excitement. I felt hope arise. With this evidence I have collected, it will guarantee us an advantage. I have to tell the other soldiers and General McCellan.

Today was the bloodiest day I have ever witnessed. I stood just outside the cornfield near Sharpsburg, Maryland, where the Battle of Antietam raged from dawn until dusk. The ground was soaked with blood, and the cries of the wounded haunted every corner of the battlefield. As a nurse, I moved from soldier to soldier, binding wounds and whispering comfort, even when I had almost nothing left to give. I used my skirt to stop bleeding when we ran out of bandages. At one point, a bullet tore through my sleeve and struck the man I was tending. It could have easily been me.

When President Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation soon after the battle, I felt a surge of hope. Though the war is full of death, I now feel it has a purpose beyond preserving the Union. Freeing enslaved people makes our suffering meaningful. I support this decision with all my heart, and I believe history will remember this as a turning point. I am tired, but I will keep going. Too many lives depend on it.

I am Louise Akers, but my real name is Eleanor Roberts. I chose to join the war to protect and fight for freedom. Slavery is wrong, and I will do anything to prevent it. Today, the Confederate troops attacked Fort Sumter because they feared that President Lincoln would abolish slavery. The ground shook beneath my feet with a "rumble, rumble, rumble." Gray clouds of smoke filled the sky. I hid in the trench, too scared to peek up and shoot into the hazy smoke. I had barely any training, and my hands were shaking as I pointed my rifle, too scared to pull the trigger.

"You aren't built for this," "You are useless," these phrases kept whirling around my mind as I hid, waiting for the attack to end. I will never forget the overwhelming feelings that washed over me while cannons fired above and the sound of artillery rang in my ears.

Have you ever felt like you wanted to rather die right now than suffer long term? Well I have in The Battle of Antietam, it was the worst battle I have ever been in. There was day I woke up and I wish I would’ve never had; bright outside sounds of shouting and gunfire. Smoke had filled the air it was impossible to breathe sometimes. The union soldiers were coming fast right towards us. A cannon went off right in my ear; ringing so loud everything felt unreal. I fell to the ground like I got shot, covering my head waiting for the ringing to stop but it never did. I had to get back up and fight I thought of the time of when my family got taken away from me with me having no one to depend on in the long run when I no one to turn to when I felt down when times were so tough and I was forced to work 24/7 I thought it would never end, the times I thought I was going to die from the heat. The pain of this gave me the strength to stand back up and keep going. During the battle I saw a someone familiar, I think it was a solider I had spoken with before. He had the kindest soul ever. I seen him on the ground and I couldn’t leave him I had gotten down and check him out he told me in was in the most pain ever and told me to just shoot him so he didn’t have to deal with the pain he was experiencing in the moment. in the moment i had gotten shot by a soldier right in my knee. Now I see why he ask me to shoot him now no one would ever want to feel pain like that. My foot had gotten swollen and twice its size. I had gotten help from another soldier and was able to get into a hospital same as the other solider I tried to help. I was hoping I was able to leave the hospital with both legs intact. After that, I heard about something called the Emancipation Proclamation. President Lincoln wants to free enslaved people in the South. My hands shook when I heard. Could this mean freedom? I don’t know if it will reach me, but the thought gives me hope for the first time in a long time.

Right now we're on the move. The war started because they decided to attack Fort Sumter, which is exactly where we're going. We are supposed to go help resupply so they can hold the rebels off. The only problem is that WE ARE IN MICHIGAN!!! I heard that it was in South Carolina! How will we even get there in time?

2nd page

Today is a new day, and it is just straight walking. It doesnt help the the supplies we're carrying slows us down. I have a feeling this isn't even our job, but we have to help any way we can. Anyway, while we took a small pitstop, I carved some wood dice. I actually did it pretty well, and when I showed on of my friends, they were a bit suprised. I still don't know why he joined the army.

3rd page

I didn't think we would make it. I hear cannons in the distance. I can start to hear yelling. The captain told us we were 6 hours from there. I can start to see smoke. I hope I don't die... especially by a cannonball.

We are... too late. As soon as we got to the beach, they had already surrendered. Our division decided to retreat. The Fort was almost destroyed.

The Battle of Antietam was the worst thing I’ve ever lived through. That morning, I woke to shouting, gunfire, and thick smoke choking the air. A cannon exploded near me—I dropped to the ground, ears ringing so loud I thought I'd gone deaf. For a moment, I wanted it all to end right there. But I thought of everything I'd already survived—losing my family, the endless labor, the heat, the hopelessness—and I forced myself to get back up and fight.

I saw a soldier I recognized, a kind soul. He was on the ground, wounded badly. He begged me to end his pain. Before I could do anything, I was shot in the knee. Now I understand why he asked—no one should feel pain like that. My leg swelled up fast. Another soldier helped me to a hospital, and I prayed I wouldn’t lose the leg.

Later, I heard about something called the Emancipation Proclamation. Lincoln wants to free enslaved people in the South. My hands shook hearing it. Could this be real? Could freedom finally be near? I don’t know—but for once, I feel a little hope.

Dear diary again! Milton(Wendy) here!

Good news, they're now letting black people in the war! Bad news is they're segregated.

So I can't reveal myself being an African-American girl yet. I almost caught myself there I was just going to say that I was African American but then when I started seeing African-American soldiers come in and then being segregated they didn't have proper food rations or medical care. I was flabergasted because you think we're kind of fighting to get rid of the Confederates and the Confederates are doing slavery. Youd think we'd be the opposite but no. It's actually pretty sad. Every single time I can I try to secretly give some of the black soldiers food, but it's taking control of my health lately., I've been getting really skinny. If that means I'm helping someone that's all I care about. I'm so glad I didn't reveal myself because they're getting lower pay, and they just have a horrible experience its almost like their prisoners. Yeah this is the war You're going to get a horrible experience but they get like a really horrible experience. That just shows you how segregation gets into every little crack physically possible.

Something on the bright side is that I got a new rifle, it can hold up to 16 bullets! I feel special, but it wasn't only me who got it; it was all the soldiers who were doing great with reloading the old rifle. Now it'll be way easier to shoot those freaking Confederates and their little Rebel scream.

January 1st 1863

Happy New Year!

I'm glad we were able to still kind of celebrate New Year's, even with the Civil war going on, we mostly did small Gatherings and played games. The bad news is I think they're starting to catch on to the fact that I'm a girl. Maybe I'm being paranoid but while I was laughing hard at some joke that at one of the soldiers said Jerry said I laughed like a girl and kind of narrowed his eyes at me. I forgot what I said but I think it was something along the lines of “you laugh like a donkey” and they all started laughing and it was out of the way. Still anxious about that. Anyways turns out Abraham Lincoln (the president) wrote The Emancipation Proclamation. At first I was like what's that? Then I heard from one of the soldiers that it's a proclamation that declared that all Slaves held in the confederate states Would be free! I don't even know how to react to that but that's pretty awesome. I feel like the war is going to end soon, I just hope it does!

It is Louise Akers! The Battle of the Bull Run started today. We tried to defeat the Confederate troops. The fight had ended with us retreating. I heard bodies drop to the ground, blood flowed out to the floor. I stared in disbelief and fear. I glanced at my fellows now lying still, eyes open, and pale faces.

Next came the Seven Days Battles. I tried my best to hold on to hope and courage, but with each soldier passing, hope began to slip out of reach. I’ll never let go of the chilling feeling of seeing a friend or fellow soldier shot to the floor. During the battle, I was running when a shell came flying towards me. I watched in slow motion as I tried to dodge the missile. “Boom.” I fell hard to the grass. I helped myself up, my heart pounding. I realized that the explosion caused my left ear to lose hearing. I sighed as one minute later, I started to regain my hearing.

Finally, when the Battle of the Ironclads came, I began to feel more hopeful.  I recalled hearing about Robert Smalls and other people that significantly contributed towards freedom with heroic acts. As I write this second entry, I am brought back to why I joined the union. Until next time!

To my surprise, the cigarettes said that General Lee planned to invade the North's territory! Oh, Mclellan, Mclellan. We've missed opportunities in the Battle of Antietam many times. We outnumber General Lee's troops by a lot. But General McLeellan refused to add the army units. General Lee, on the other hand, was on top of it. We found out that Confederate soldiers (spies) informed Lee to make a surprising move and forced the troops back together. Even though Mclellan missed many opportunities, we still won, and General Mclellan got fired by Lincoln. Sadly, we took some losses. About 12,400 soldiers died in our Union. And sadly, I injured my knee during the battle. It swelled up to twice its size. When I get to the hospital, I hope both my legs are back in place.

January, 1863

I grab the morning's newspaper. The title says, "Emancipation Proclamation is finally put into effect!" Lincoln planned to make the Confederate States come back and join the Union. But this also proves how much they care about having enslaved people. Do they care? I guess they would rather stay as the Confederate States than have the enslaved. Honestly, I miss my friend. She lives in a southern state that seceded to create the Confederate States. I don't get to see her anymore because of this. And even though the Confederates don't care what Lincoln has to say, I think they should come and join the Union. There is just so much hate and war. We need to put an end to this.

December 1962

Well after the war it had been announced that President Lincoln would be planning to issue an Emancipation Proclamation on January 1st, 1863. This would mean that all of America would be a free country. All states, Territories and plantations would be free of slaves! The day it was announced was like no other. It had felt like my heart would jump right out of my body knowing we would all be free!

It would mean I might just might have a chance of seeing my father again, that is if he was even alive.

After the Battle of Antietam, I cautiously searched for my shiny leather boots, but they were nowhere to be found!

Later on, while chatting with some fellow soldiers, one of them mentioned the Emancipation Proclamation. He explained that President Lincoln planned to free the slaves in the southern states. My eyes widened in shock. “Wow, would there finally be freedom for everyone, no matter their race?!”

The Emancipation Proclamation arrived in the grim aftermath of Antietam. Initially, I was cautious, grappling with the idea of freeing slaves. Witnessing Black soldiers fight alongside us challenged my beliefs. The Proclamation felt like a bold step, transforming the war into a fight for freedom and equality. It gave the conflict a higher purpose, offering a glimmer of hope for a future where such bloodshed might be unnecessary. It renewed my resolve to fight for a nation where all men are equal, fueled by thoughts of a peaceful future with Katie.

The Battle of Antietam just happened, and I still can’t believe what I’ve heard. They say it was the bloodiest day of the whole war. Thousands of men were hurt or killed in just one day. It makes me sick to my stomach thinking about it. So many families will never be the same. My cousin Elijah was there after the battle, helping look for survivors. He told me they sent him into the fields to search for wounded soldiers. That’s when he found something that really shook him a young drummer boy lying in the grass, already gone. He was just a kid, like us. Gone too soon. Elijah said the boy still had his drum next to him. That image won’t leave my mind.

Then we heard about President Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation. I wasn’t sure what to think at first. Part of me felt proud like something big was finally changing. Slavery is cruel and wrong, and I’ve always believed that. But I also felt scared, because I know the war is only going to get worse now. People are going to fight even harder. Still, deep down, I believe it’s the right thing. Maybe that drummer boy, and all the others who died, didn’t die for nothing. Maybe this is how real change begins.

I am going too be fighting this war. I think that it is going to be more intese than the other Battles that I have ever fought in.

Turns out that James was also in this war. I saw him but I was trying not to look at him. But then he saw me.

"Wendy! Is that you" James said. "No, I don't know who that is " I said. I dragged him with me. " SHHH. I am part of the Union. They don't know I am a girl. SOO KEEP IT GUIET."

McClellan was telling me before the Battle started that he wanted me to marry his sister. So I told him no because I was already married.

After the war

I was so close to die, but then I was able to get up and see if there was any people who were still alive.

At home

"Mom, I have to tell you something," I said to my mother. "What is it, sweetie." She said. "My commander told me that he wanted me to marry his sister." I said to my mother.

Mom was shocked

"What did you say." Mom said to me. "I told him that I was married. He was sad, cause he needed someone from the Union to marry his sister."

I grew up in a small Pennsylvania town. My family ran a blacksmith shop. Most days, I hauled coal and hammered iron. My father was a harsh man, never one for kindness. Looking back, those long days with fire and steel prepared me for something else entirely: war.

When Fort Sumter was attacked in ’61, it felt like the whole country cracked open. I remember the town square, folks silent around a newspaper. That day, I knew I’d end up in uniform.

Then came Bull Run. We were told it’d be over quickly. Some even brought picnics. But when the cannons started, it all fell apart. Smoke, screaming, chaos. Our line broke. We ran.

In the stampede, I tried to help a fallen soldier. That’s when a wagon clipped my ankle. The pain shot up my leg, but I rolled clear just in time. I still hear the horses thundering past my head.

I limped back, shaken and bleeding. I made it. Others didn’t.

After Bull Run, the fantasy of glory was gone. I wasn’t just a blacksmith’s son anymore. I was a soldier. And war wasn’t proud or pretty—it was fear, noise, and survival.

Not long after, we found ourselves in the thick of it again—the Seven Days Battles near Richmond. June and July were a blur of mud, smoke, and blood. We fought day after day. At Gaines’ Mill, I watched friends fall beside me. We held the line, barely. The heat was brutal, the ground soaked with sweat and fear. By the end, we pulled back, but it didn’t feel like a retreat—it felt like survival.

Then word came about something strange at sea—the battle of the ironclads. The Monitor and the Merrimack (they called her the Virginia now) had clashed. Iron ships, cannon fire bouncing off their hulls. It was like something out of science fiction. I couldn’t believe it. If ships could survive like that, maybe the war was changing for good.

In camp, I started hearing more about Black soldiers, too. Some were already serving—men like Frederick Douglass were pushing hard for their right to fight. I didn’t understand all the politics, but I saw their courage. If they were willing to fight for a country that barely saw them as men, how could I not respect them?

War was changing. And so was I.

The fighting was brutal—men falling in rows, the ground soaked in blood. I kept shooting until my rifle nearly burned my hands. Then I slipped in a trench and twisted my knee. By nightfall, it had swollen to twice its size. Now I’m in a field hospital, leg aching, hoping I leave here with both legs still attached.

While I lie here, news spreads—Lincoln just issued the Emancipation Proclamation. Slaves in the rebel states will be freed. Some men don’t care. Others are angry. Me? I think it changes everything.

Back home, I didn’t think much about slavery. But here, I’ve seen Black men help the Union cause—guides, laborers, even fighters. They’re risking everything for freedom. How can I not respect that?

If this war ends slavery, maybe all this pain means something. Maybe it’s not just about keeping the Union, but making it better.

I don’t know what’s next. But if I can walk again, I’ll keep fighting for that kind of future.

because we, or I at the very least, are going to war and not running, no, I mean, gun shooting, life-taking war.

I know I may have exaggerated a bit, but it's the truth with the confederate plans it's a due or die situation.

It's been a few days, but that's because I have been staying up and on the lookout for more of our injured men and the body of our enemy.

So we can identify them if needed, and so we can bring our men back to our hospitals so they can survive, but we found nothing but lifeless corpses.

I have my gun ready. They are approaching. People are... running. For some reason, people decided to spectate the battle for fun! That has to be the worst idea I have ever seen. Of course, they start running when the Confederates are coming. I hope I make it out nonetheless...

I am experiencing something, nonetheless, a nightmare. They were able to surprise us with a yell I could not explain. It was like hearing the rage and discord of a 100 demons. Absolute savages. The cannons are deafening, and screams fill the air. I just watched a man get a hole in his skull! I saw myself put a hole in one of them, too. Hold on, they're charging.

I am in my tent right now. It's been a long day; a shortened day for the captain, though. The battle was lost, and I have seen 2 people die in front of me. I saw the captain get ripped in 2 by a shell while we were retreating. He screamed, but not for long. I saw his organs spill out. I can't get that image out of my head.

Seven-day battles

Thank god that I have not been sent to battle, but I cannot tell if this job is worse or not. I have been called in to treat the wounds of the injured, and it feels wrong to see someone's arm cut off. It seems to be for the better, though, because I have seen one too many die from infection. My main job is just to help stop blood flow. You need to pull really hard on the belt. It makes me very tired looking at the blood and gore. It reminds me of seeing the captain. It is very tiring, overwhelming, and so much more to see all those fallen body parts in a pile.

Something new I've learned was the Battle of the Ironclads. The Confederates were annoyed about the Union blocking off a trading route. They found an abandoned ship and armored it up with iron. Then, they tried attacking. Luckily, well, unfortunately for them, we had a shit that was full of metal, and even had a cannon too. Apparently, they fought for so long, they both gave up! I heard that cannonballs just bounced off the sides of both. Imagine what kind of thing would happen if stuff like that was on land; we would be unstoppable!

BLOG 3

The Battle of Antietam was the scariest and hardest day I’ve ever been through. There was smoke, shouting, and gunfire everywhere. We fought in a cornfield, and I could barely see anything through the thick smoke. So many soldiers were getting hurt or dying all around me. I got a cut on my arm, but I was lucky compared to others. Some of my closest friends didn’t make it, and that made me really sad and angry. After the battle,I was sent to search for wounded soldiers that may have survived. I found a young drummer boy who was gone too soon. I was exhausted and shocked by how many people we had lost, but I was also proud that we stopped the Confederate army from moving farther north.

When President Lincoln gave the Emancipation Proclamation, I was surprised at first. I had joined the Union Army to help keep the country together, not really to end slavery. But after seeing how hard Black workers and soldiers were trying to help us win, and hearing about the terrible things they went through as slaves, I started to see why it mattered so much. The Proclamation made me feel like we were fighting for something bigger than just the Union, we were fighting to give people freedom. That gave me new hope and made me proud to be a soldier.

Another day another battle to fight in. I was just speaking to a few other soldiers at one of the campfires and they were talking about their lives before the war. It's fun to understand who these people were. One man said that his family had immigrated to America after his family had fled from China. Said his mother didn't approve of him being in the war, but he said that this was his calling. Another said that he used to work in a clothes factory until the war started and he wanted to join. I haven't found anyone who is fighting for the enslaved. It makes you question why so many are here and what reasons they are. Anyway, we're going to be fighting at Antietam. I hope we win this fight and can keep going.

September 17, 1862

The battle just ended. As you can tell I'm still alive, but I feel so dead inside now. We fought furiously in the battle. And we did win. But after I was sent to look for any survivors. I wasn't able to find many my head was spinning too much. I found a drummer boy. Dead on the ground. The sticks were still in his hands. His eyes were still open. They had no life in them. He was dead. The boy died so young. It isn't fair. The poor family. Once they learn about his death, I can't imagine losing a son or a brother. I just wanted to fall to the floor and cry when I saw him but I knew I couldn't. It would give me away. I didn't want to cause a scene. So I moved on. I am thankful for that because I was able to find another drummer boy who had a bullet in his leg, side, and right shoulder. Praise the lord that I was there to bring him back to the camp he would have died if it wasn't for the other boy. If I hadn't seen him I wouldn't have seen the other. I'm thankful that I was able to save a life. But crushed that I wasn't able to get to the other sooner.

January 1st, 1863

Today President Lincoln Issued an Emancipation Proclamation. Now all the enslaved are free! Oh, man. Now that's going to anger the Confederate states so much. hehehe. I wish I was there to see their faces. But now we can start to end this war and we can start to become the nation our founding Fathers wanted us to be. A free country where everyone has a voice and is free.

i helped get water for the hurt soldiers. there were too many. the doctors were running around and i heard someone say this was the bloodiest day ever. the creek looked red and the smoke made it hard to breathe. when it was over i was so tired. we didn’t win but the other side didn’t win either. i felt empty inside. that night i wrote in my journal and tried to understand everything. i miss home and my family. i wish the war would end but i know i gotta keep helping. war is hard but maybe one day it will be better

Hi, it’s Callie again. The battle of Antietam was frightening. It was bloody, everywhere you looked there was bodies and blood. At least our side won! The union! Sigh, we suffered casualties of 12,400. I was sent to go search in the fields. I was already tired enough, but I wanted to show my strength so I accepted the adventure. I legs ache as I walk through the muggy fields. Then, I come upon a drummer boy, as I looked closer.. he passed away. My heart pounded, and felt really sad after that. I slowly walked out of the fields.

Wow! The Emacipation Proclamation, this is outstanding! This is going to completely change the war, and our hopes and dreams are really coming true. We’re preserving the union, equal end that stigma. Slavery!! We are so happy and proud, Lincoln sees this as his greatest achievement! And we see this as our greatest blessing, how could this get any better!?

For one, I’m proud to be part of the Union. Today, everything changed. Fort Sumter was attacked, and now the war has really started. I’m nervous, but if we win, my people could finally be free. But I can’t stop thinking, what if we lose? I could hear people shouting in the streets. Soldiers were rushing to get ready. We all knew the war was coming, but it still hit me hard, like a cannon blast.

For the past few months, I’ve been helping Miss Harriet Tubman with the Underground Railroad. She trusts me to carry messages, hide people so they can be free, and move supplies. She treats me like I matter, and that gives me strength. She says this war isn’t just about land; it’s about freedom. I believe her.

My parents were born into slavery, but they escaped before I was born. Because of them, I grew up free. Now it’s my turn to fight in the ways I can. When I heard the first gunshots, I froze. I wasn’t there, but I could feel it deep inside. I’m scared, but I’m even more angry. Angry that people still treat others like property. Angry that we have to fight just to be free.

I helped pack food, clothes, and supplies for the soldiers. My hands shook, not because I’m weak, but because I know how real this is now. No more waiting. No more silence. Even girls like me have a part to play. This war is going to be long and hard, but I won’t let fear stop me, not when so many lives depend on what we do.

Word from spies was relayed to us, stating that McCellan was well aware of the fact that General Lee had split his troops in half.

Under the unforgiving sun, I was stationed in a defensive position among many other soldiers behind the creek of Antietam.

Boy ... being in the army done polished my patience real nicely.

Whole lotta waiting and stalling we had to do until my pocket watch hit dawn.

That was until I was startled by the harsh noise of a BANG, followed by a grueling collapse of a heavy object.

With an unsteady Pirouette, my head snapped to the source of the noise -- but I was nearly knocked over by the other fellow Rebels, who fiercely fought off the armed forces.

I felt a shockwave of terror scatter across my paralyzed form, witnessing the macabre scenery unfold right before me.

A sense of anguish and horror bubbled in my chest like a tea kettle threatening to overflow, and I collapsed beside the carcass of a fallen soldier.

The stench of gunpowder assaulted my nostrils, and there was so much blood you could practically relish the metallic aftertaste of the ichor.

When a group of Yankees zipped right past me, I stumbled back up -- prepared to make a run for it.

A million thoughts rushed through my head as I began to desert the blood bath.

What was I thinking? Oh, Arthur, what have you gotten yourself into? In search of a man who is most likely deceased, like the rest of them.

But as I began to make a run for it, a man dashed right at me with a murderous intent set ablaze in his eyes. Once he crashed into me and we landed harshly, he reached for his pocket knife -- struggling as we rolled downhill.

We engaged in a poor excuse for a catfight, and we vigorously tumbled around the cornfield.

Just as he aimed the tip of his Bowie knife right at my airway, I drew out the holstered pistol resting on the side of my hip -- and in a panic, I pulled the trigger.

The Yankee only managed to scrape at my neck, while he fell backward and landed between my sore ankles.

I rushed back up to my feet, flabbergasted and barely registering what had happened. But before I could make my escape, I felt a haunting hand grapple onto my ankles, which halted my movements.

A loud, piercing screech evacuated the premises of my mouth, and I plummeted back to the ground once my feet lodged themselves out of my shoes.

With blood tainting my once sun-kissed face, and like the coward I was, I fled and regrouped with the remainder of the surviving Rebels.

As I lay traumatized back at camp, the horrid sight of the fallen Yankee I had slain was haunting every waking moment of my life. I had killed out of self-defense, but the thought didn't soothe the guilt that invaded my morale.

If things couldn't get worse, Lincoln, the president of the Union, issued a future Proclamation that would free every slave belonging to the Confederate states.

Casmire and I had never owned slaves during our time on the farm. It wasn't like he disagreed with the concept of slavery, nor did his mother. But she insisted that he had to do everything himself, and if he really wanted extra hands, we could well ... have offspring. But I never entertained the idea of children, it wasn't my top priority to bear his kids. Disgusting, really.

How I missed Casmire.

During the Battle of Antietam, I thankfully survived. I am really happy that I have lived through that traumatic experience. After the battle, I read a lot of the new newspaper articles. They were talking about how Lincoln was planning to issue an Emancipation Proclamation very soon. This meant that many slaves in the South would be free. While this is a good thing, I fear that the Confederates will fight against us even harder.

I’m 16 years old and I grew up in a family of slave owners. I strongly disagree with all of my family’s political beliefs, so I ran away from home to join the Union. I lied about my age and said I was 18, and to my surprise, they believed me and let me join. I was proud to finally be able to fight for what I believe in. America is supposed to be a free country, and I believe that includes the slaves. Fort Sumter was pretty traumatizing, though. We were bombarded by Confederate forces and forced to surrender. Although we had no casualties during the battle, two of our soldiers were killed in an accidental explosion during our surrender ceremony. I can still see the explosion when I try to sleep sometimes.

The Battle of Bull Run was a terrifying emotional roller coaster. My adrenaline was pumping, and I was confident that we would win this battle. I was excited for my first win since I joined the Union. All of a sudden, everything fell apart, and we were forced to retreat. I was so embarrassed that I accidentally dropped my rifle while I was running away. As I was making my retreat, I watched as my Captain was cut in two by a shell. My body completely froze in shock, and I tripped over myself. The moment replayed over and over in my head, and I didn’t know what to do, but I knew if I didn’t move, I might meet the same fate. I picked myself up and ran as hard as I could. After the Battle of Bull Run, General McClellan decided that we still needed more training. I became a part of the “Army of the Potomac”. I caught whooping cough, but recovered pretty quickly. I also learned how to play the banjo as a pastime. I learned how to play a song called John Brown’s Body.

I wish I hadn't spotted Confederates in town. They were simply minding their own business, picking out shoes, and just not caring. I didn't want to let my other fellow soldiers know because a war would break out... uh oh. I just heard a yell. I hear gunshots from afar. My biggest fear has come. A war has broken out. We made a plan: compact as a group and take the round top.

July 2

We planned that if we could control the hill, we could dominate the war. I run through trees, clutching my rifle. I step over some dead people. And even on top of them. It was a terrible experience. My fellow soldier told us to stay on the hill to get the high ground. That's what we managed to do. I spot some Confederate soldiers heading to Cemetery Ridge. What could they possibly be planning? It was open ground that they were on. Now this is an opportunity. I know I said I don't like violence and we need to end the war altogether, but I think the Confederates kind of deserved it. We open fire on them.

July 3

Can you believe this war has been going on for 3 days already? I'm exhausted. The soldiers who survived the fire from the open ground still had to face us when walking back. Now, I honestly feel bad for the Confederates facing this tough time. The battle was finally over. On the happy side, we won the battle. A lot of casualties from the Confederate side. Hopefully, this is a sign to make amends and just end the war. I sat on Little Round Top. Having the high ground, there were some advantages, seeing enemies from afar, and something called gravity, with force and power. ON the other hand, there are some disadvantages. The sun was beaming against my back, and the air was filled with smoke. And also seeing so many dead bodies along the hill. I take a glance at my hand. In shock, I saw it wounded. I didn't even feel a thing. That's how bad it was. Probably swollen and numb by now. (UPDATE: Fred Smith is now my friend. We finally got to talk to each other and work out our differences. He was nice enough to patch my hand.)

November 19 1863

Gathering around Lincoln, I was being blocked by some guy with a tall hat. I guess I'll just have to listen. Lately, news has been going around that in New York City, the Northerners wanted to make a compromise with the South to end it once and for all. I'm all in. I agree at this point. We've been through so much, and so many lives have been lost. But something also caught my eye. THE ENROLLMENT ACT. I don't have $300! But luckily, I just made it to 20. Anyways, back to the lives that have been lost: Lincoln gave a very touching speech at a memorial for the people who fought for honor. He is right. We are not fighting for just our country but for the people who lost their lives in the war. He wanted to lift our spirits, while giving this speech.

It is April 16th, 1862, and the Confederate army is attacking Fort Sumter. Before the whole war the confederates were apart of the union. They seceded from the union when president lincoln was elected president, knowing that his presidency would mean an end to slavery. When they seceded, it wasn't just that, they were angry and wanted revenge. And now we are here, at war at Fort Sumter.

When i get on the field, I have so much confidence, I have a fire inside of me burning and ready to go. My motivation is being able to see my father again. But that confidence and fire shortly burned. A few minutes intto the battle I see a older white man shot beside me. I decide to help him, as I flip him over I sdee he is someone I knew. His name was John, he was a man of truth and wisdom. When I jonied the army he didn'y have a problem withi it, he comforted me in the times I was confused or needed help, he gave me great advice in the times I needed it. Seeing him like this made my heart drop. When I try helping him I just see it in his eyes, he's gone. My whole body came to a stop, My hands were covered in blood, and I felt as if I were to throw up right then and there.

Then I remember what John would have wanted me to do and that is to keep on fighting. I remember why I am here and why I fiight in this war, I fight in this war to fight for what others can't.

During the war, Abraham became a spy for the Union Army. He helped them learn secrets from the South. He was very smart and sneaky, and he helped lots of people. One big thing he did was help keep Fort Sumner safe. It was a strong fort where Union soldiers and freed slaves stayed. Abraham worked hard to make sure it didn’t get taken.

After the war, Abraham didn’t stop helping folks. He worked for fair rights for Black people. He even became a state senater in North Carolina. That was a big deal becuse \ not many Black men could vote or be leaders. Abraham Galloway was a hero who stood up for what was right, even when it was dangerous.

As my eyes were about to shut, I wanted to write in here before I fell asleep. These past 3 days were crazy, with a crazy experience. War has broken out and it was the Battle of Gettysburg. There was bodies and blood everywhere. All you could hear was screams and gunshots. I was terrified. But I had to stay strong, I didn’t disguise as a man and chopped all my hair off for nothing. As a group, we created a plan. We planned that if we stay compact together, we could finally win. This is good because we’ll always stay together, if anyone needs to say and inform us about anything. As my heartbeat races, we run through the trees. We were stepping over and sometimes on top of dead people. My life flashed before my eyes as I tripped, and I screamed so someone could stay back with me. I rolled my ankle on a tree stump. A tear fell down my face, but I knew we had to keep going. I wasn’t going to give up. So I stood back up and limped my way to my group.

Fast forward to the end of the war, we won!! Everyone was ecstatic! Our plan and bravery worked. The confederacy had a lot of casualties, while we did as well. Robert E. Lee explains that this battle is considered the turning point in the war because he would no longer have enough men to attack the north again. Not too long after the battle, I came across this man who’s known as Jack Williams. He asked me if he wanted to play cards, and I said yes. I wanted to get to know more people around here. We played, and talked about our experience in the war. We both agreed that this was really scary, and that we have stayed brave throughout this whole process. Then Jack looked a little bit frightened. I asked if he was okay, but it was because he wanted to tell me secret, and I could tell anyone. I’m good at keeping secrets, so he trusted me. Long story short, he’s actually a woman, who goes by Frances Clayton. She explained how she joined the war with her husband who was killed in the battle. I knew I could trust her, so I explained how I’m doing the same thing. Not for a specific reason though, just for my commuinity to have freedom. I stood up to hug her, the she smiled and grabbed her cards, and walked away.

Abraham Lincoln, I knew him, but not everyone knew him. The south was still frustrated at him, and thats why we’re going through a tragic war right now. But, he was invited to give the Gettysburg Address at a memorial for the burial of the soldiers who had died. His speech was so amazing and memorable. There wasn’t a dry eye at that memorial. He explained how we had to keep fighting for the people who have perished. We’re not doing it only to benefit ourselves, but for them. He explained that no matter the circumstances, we can do this and continue to stay hopeful.

Suddenly, everything fell apart. Union soldiers ran in all directions. I was almost caught in the stampede! I dropped my hat and barely kept hold of my rifle. I made it through the battle, but just barely. We lost, and I realized this war wouldn’t be easy.

After Bull Run, I got sent to a camp with the Army of the Potomac. General McClellan said we needed more training, and he was right. We drilled every day. I got sick with whooping cough but improved after a while. It was rough.

To pass the time, I picked up an old banjo someone had left behind. I didn’t know how to play at first, but I kept practicing. Soon, I could play “John Brown’s Body,” and the boys would sing along in the evenings. It made the war feel a little less scary. We’re still waiting to fight again. But now I know it’s not a game. It’s war.

It was terrible. I thought we had the upper hand, but I was wrong. The rebels came at us strong. We fought every day. I made it through, barely. My ears rang from cannon fire. I saw soldiers with arms and legs blown off. After the battle, I helped carry the wounded to a field hospital. What I saw there… I’ll never forget it. Surgeons were cutting off arms and legs like it was nothing. Screaming filled the air. Blood was everywhere. They just threw the limbs in a pile like trash. I saw a doctor with a saw in one hand and a sandwich in the other. I felt dizzy, then everything went black.

When I woke up, I was in a hospital bed myself. I didn’t even know how I got there. I jumped out of bed and ran out the door, I didn’t want to catch anything. Disease was killing more men than bullets. Then, news came from the coast. Two iron ships had fought each other. The Confederate Merrimack (renamed the Virginia) and the Union’s brand-new ship, the Monitor. They blasted each other with cannons for hours, and neither one sank! Cannonballs just bounced off their sides. Everyone said it was the end of wooden warships forever. I couldn’t believe it, metal ships, floating and fighting! It made me think. This war wasn’t just muskets and marching anymore. It was changing fast. New technology, new weapons, and new types of soldiers. Some folks in camp talked about Black soldiers, too. We’d heard about men like Frederick Douglass pushing Lincoln to let them fight. I hoped they would join us soon. We needed all the help we could get.

Then something crazy happened.
As I was marching one morning, I found a small package by the side of the road. Inside were three cigars… and a piece of paper. My hands shook as I opened it. It was General Lee’s war plans! Somehow, someone had dropped it. And now it was in my hands. It said Lee had split his army into two parts! I ran straight to my officer and gave it to him. This was big. If McClellan used this information right, we could finally beat the Confederates in a real battle.

The Battle of Gettysburg was like nothing I ever imagined. The noise from the cannons and gunshots was crazy. Everywhere I looked, men were falling. I fought as hard as I could but it felt like everything was happening too fast. I started to wonder if I was even meant to be here. My parents fought for their freedom before I was born, and I grew up understanding what it meant to survive. But out here, in the middle of this battle, I wasn’t sure if I was strong enough to keep going.

After the battle I met Jack Williams. He told me he had been discharged and we started talking. As we played cards, Jack told me something surprising. His real name was Frances Clayton and she had been fighting disguised as a man after her husband was killed. I couldn’t believe it. She was just like me. She decided to fight in the war and keep going just like a man.

That made me think about why I joined. I had decided to fight as a man too because I wanted to prove I could do it. I wanted to show that I was just as strong as anyone else. When I heard President Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address it really spoke to me. His words about freedom made me realize that this war wasn’t just about winning. It was about starting something new and fighting for a better future. I may not know exactly what comes next but I know now that I’m part of something bigger. And that makes me want to keep fighting.

Abraham Lincoln gave the Gettysburg Address today, and it didn't really help much... If anything, it just made us more irritated at our situation, especially since he gave a very short speech.

It was a exhlierating but tring attack but it was worth it in the end 1863 July 3, Genral Lee tried to attach our forces but failed as we cut them down and protected our line.

I had stayed at the top of the hill shooting and thankfully remained unharmed through the battle and for that i am greatful though a mate of mine ended up blinded during the battle.

1863 July 4, we attacked Vicksburg and won the attack though our new comander is rather rough on the confederts lands making us burn land and matierials but its all become a blur to me as we had also broken railrodes.

1864, I have forgoten the days and mothes i'm tired of this war and want peace for this to end but we gave the Savahnea to our presidint as a gift though I am not surprised by out burning any longer.

1865, I think i was captured and brought to a confederet prison called Andersonvill its horrorfiying bodys scattered people starved nothing but skin and bones and coved in filth and blood.

1865, I am tired starving and hungry i've lost complete since of time all i know is that i am starving and thirsty i along with the rest of us have been prying and for water rain what ever quenches this thirst.

1865, It happend a mirical a spring quenched our thisrt and has givin us hope though people are still diying i will survive no matter what and end this blood shead.

1865, I'm free I managed to escape the prison at night and i ran for the hills not looking back though I have lost commrades i have said my goodbyes.

1865, It's been monthes but we finally corrnered General Lee and we meet at Appomattox Station it was only 90 minutes it felt like hours but we finally ended this blood shead.

1865, With the war ended I returned home to my family and wife in Ierland with lost hearing in my left ear as my war ingury to never forget and now storys to tell my childern.

After the battle, General McClellan said we needed more training. I became part of a group called the “Army of the Potomac.” I got sick with whooping cough but got better pretty fast. To pass the time, I learned to play the banjo and even learned a song called John Brown’s Body.

During the war

Guns were firing loudly. But then, we were out of ammunition and on the hill. So then the Confederation was running up the hill. So we just put the knives in the guns. And then I got.........INJURED I got stabbed from the back, and then shot in my stomach.

After the War

It was not an easy war to win. Sorry, I thought that it was goignt to be. So then I had been wagoned to the nurses' to my house. So that my mom and take care of me. And then there came James, to came and worry about me. "James I am okay, you don't have to worry about me, Mom is taken good care of me, she used to be a nurse. " I said to James.

Day 2, at the battle of Little Round Top, we decided that we would charge at the Confederates down the hill, and we dominated it.

Day 3, the Confederates thought that we were at our weakest point, but they were the ones who made one of the worst choices. They wanted to attack us on the military ridge, but little did they know that they would have to cross almost a mile of open ground. They lost that battle.

After the battle, I came across someone named Jack Williams. He seemed nice, and we played a game of cards together. We were talking about our experiences in the war, and I found out that he was discharged from the army. Then, when he keeps on yapping, he tells me that she is a woman undercover, just like me! Her name is Frances Clayton.

After the battle, Frances and I decide that we want to become friends, so we decide that we are going to hang out.

A few days later, Lincoln made a speech called the Gettysburg Address, and I really think that it is cool because he is our president, and I look up to him because he inspired many people.

Here's our plan: breaking the Confederacy in half to end once and for all. How? Destroying the only remaining Confederate fort: Vicksburg. We surrounded their city and destroyed them with cannonballs. This was probably the most devastating thing to watch.

July 4

They finally surrendered. Since we won the battle, we cut off all Confederate forces in Arkansas, Louisiana, and Texas. We also got control of the Mississippi River. Now I can finally go to sleep peacefully knowing that the war is finally over and there will be no more terrible violence.

July 5

UPDATE: I want to leave this Union. I can't stand it anymore. General Grant just informed us that we will be destroying everything that is in the Confederate States. Also known as Total War. So many lives will be lost, but General Grant believes it's the only way to victory, and the Confederates will finally be on our side. He is more aggressive than General McLellan. The song "Tenting Tonight" has a good tune. But it is also a hopeful song. When I listen to this song, my tummy aches. I don't want to go back to war. I'm too tired.

November 15

It is the day we march. General T. Sherman is marching to us. Tennessee to Atlanta.

December 19

Exhausted. We've been marching for more than 200 miles, and I haven't gotten much sleep. I don't like this. Everything that is in our path is going to get destroyed. Civilian houses, stores, the entire thing. I wish we could stop Sherman. It's getting out of hand. All the goods, like ammo, food, and essentials, we took from the places we marched.

December 20

After Fred and I reluctantly burned the last civilian home, I continued to march ahead. Not knowing what is coming my way. The more I marched, the more I was unsure. Suddenly, a railroad came riding beside me. I spot arms that grab me. Everything was dark.

December 24

That was a crazy experience. I barely made it out alive. On December 20th, I was captured by the Confederates. They took me to Andersonville, the dirtiest place ever. I got placed in this shelter with these other Union Soldiers. The look on their face told me that there was no way of getting out. It looked like they've been stuck there for a long time. Right now, I'm still sick from that place. The air was full of smoke. Who knew that using a spoon from one of the Confederates' households would work? I dug underground for 3 days straight.

April 10 1865

Finally, my prayers have been answered. News has it that General Grant and General Lee have finally made a compromise. A news headline said, "Our Nation Redeemed." After hearing this news, I headed home. After such a long four years, my shoulder was stiff from sleeping on the hard terrain every night. I have never felt happier to head to my hometown, New Jersey. Every night I was away, I would cry. I missed my younger brother Sam and my parents. They probably would be upset that I kind of sneaked away from them and tried to join the army. But I got to learn about honor. Before, I just wanted to fight and have a war, and get that anger out of my system. But now, I realized, it's terrible. We can't live like that.

September 13 1866

It's been a while since I have written in my blog. After living and spending about a year with my family, I decided to start my own independent life West. I will be buying land through the Homestead Act. As year goes on, I've realized that most people didn't fight just for power, but for honor. And honoring the ones who lost their lives.

~ Beatrice Jones (1866)

Later, he listened to President Lincoln give the Gettysburg Address. Even though the speech was short, it made a big impact. He felt proud to be part of something important. It gave him hope that the country could come together again and that the people who died didn’t die for nothing.

When he saw what happened in Savannah during Sherman’s March, he was shocked. The city was burning, and it felt like nothing was safe anymore. He was glad he didn’t end up in Andersonville prison, but if he had, he would’ve tried his best to survive and keep hoping for freedom.

Finally, when the war ended at Appomattox Courthouse, my character felt super emotional. He cried because he was happy and relieved. He just wanted to go home, be with his family again, and live a peaceful life. Even though the war changed him forever, he was ready to move on and help make the country better.

When it ended, the hill was quiet, but the fields below were covered in bodies. I couldn’t believe how many. I was grateful just to still be breathing.

Then I found Samuel.

He was the man I tried to save at Bull Run. I hadn’t seen him since that day, thought he was dead. Turns out he made it back into service. We’d only just reconnected before Gettysburg.

Now he’s blind.

A bullet struck him just behind the eyes. Didn’t kill him—just took his sight. When I found him, he was sitting with a bandage wrapped around his head.

“Is it still light out?” he asked.

I didn’t know what to say. I just sat beside him.

Later, we heard President Lincoln speak. Just a few words at Gettysburg. But something about it stuck with me. He said we’re here to make sure these dead “shall not have died in vain.”

I keep thinking about that.

Maybe this war isn’t just about the Union anymore. Maybe it’s about building something better. For men like Samuel.

For all of us.

I didn’t leave it untouched. In the spring of ’64, a minie ball shattered my right leg near Petersburg. The doctors took it above the knee. I woke up in a hospital tent, missing part of myself—and part of who I used to be.

After recovering, I couldn’t go home. I’d left that life behind the day my father slammed the door on me. Instead, I moved to New York City, looking for something new. Among the noise and brick, I found love—a woman named Clara who saw past the limp and the pain. She reminded me I was more than what the war left behind.

But I couldn’t sit still. When word came of the transcontinental railroad, I signed up. I worked with the Union Pacific, helping lay track across the West. Crutches under one arm, hammer in the other. I wanted to build something again—something that connected the country I helped hold together.

Every spike we drove felt like a step forward.

I may have lost a leg, but I gained a purpose. I fought for unity. Now I help build it—mile by mile, rail by rail.

And for the first time since the war began, I believe in the future again.

The war has been going on for so long, and I am really tired. I have seen too much sadness and pain. Families have been torn apart, and people have lost their homes. I miss the days when life was more normal. Now that the war is ending, I feel a little bit of hope again.

When I heard about Sherman’s March, I didn’t know how to feel. His army destroyed towns, farms, and railroads. Some people say it was too much, but I think it helped end the war faster. If tearing things down means stopping slavery forever, then I think it was worth it. I want freedom for everyone, especially people like my parents, who used to be slaves.

I was sad when I heard that Savannah was burned. Even though it was part of the war, it still hurts to see beautiful places ruined. If I had been there, I would try to help save people and anything important. I always try to help when I can.

Andersonville was a terrible prison camp. I can’t imagine how hard it was to survive there. If I had been there, I would try to stay strong, help others, and keep thinking about freedom. That’s what keeps me going.

Now that General Lee has surrendered at Appomattox Courthouse, I feel like this long nightmare is finally ending. I’m not sure what comes next, but I want to learn, grow, and help others. My journey isn’t over. It’s just beginning.

Update

During the war, I lost hearing in my left ear. It was hard, but I kept going. After the war, I found true love in New York. It was unexpected, but it made me happy. Now, I have decided to go west and claim land through the Homestead Act. I want to build a new life on my own land and start fresh.

Total War might be our only option left... We've exhausted all other options, and we just really want to go home... I heard we have to burn all of the houses and kill all the animals we see... I don't want to kill innocent life, how could you even consider that! But at the same time, I understand that we need to cut off all of the Confederacy's supplies. Overall, I don't exactly have a say in all this, but...you have to do what you have to do. I'm going to write a letter to my sweetie so that she doesn't lose hope in us. I promised her that I would make it home

This is horrible! Worse than I imagined! We've burned every Confederate building in sight, killed every animal, and eaten what we could before burning the scraps... This is hell, pure hell. I hate it, but I hate the Confederacy more. I'll do whatever it takes to overpower them and enforce the Union!
We won. I was so overwhelmed with relief, that I cried. I was so happy I could go back home to my sweetie; Carina. After we were released, I rushed home to Germany. Soon after I arrived home, me and Carina got married, and had two children. Ever since my hearing in my left ear started going in and out, it got worse and worse, and now I am unable to hear out of it. However, it was worth it to be with my now wife, Carina, and two children; Annaliese and Elke.

I survived the war, the camps and the pain by holding on to who I am. Now the road is open, and I’m walking it my own way.

Today we are going to be fighting the Confederates again. I don't know how much more I can take this. And for what feels like the millionth time we are going onto the next battle. This time we're in Gettysburg. General Lee has told us that we'll be close together on the battlefield's layout. We have the high ground this time, although it seems like some of the soldiers are still scared about what's to come. Wish me luck.

Later,

General Lee told us to run down the hill that we just spent ages climbing up. As I ran down, bullets started flying. One just barely skimmed the side of my cheek. As we charged down bodies started to fall to the ground. We had to leave them behind and continue on. I was so scared that I was going to be the one on the ground. Dead. But I made it out alive. We lost 23,049 soldiers. The soldier that I was talking to at the campfire before sadly was shot in the eye. Now he's sadly blind. But I'm grateful he's still alive.

That night,

A soldier named Jack Williams started talking to me while I was sitting by the campfire tonight. We started talking about what we had done before this war. About our lives before the war. He worked in a house before this. I wonder what that was like. But then it turns out that he is a woman! Her name is Francis Clayton. She and her husband had joined the army but he sadly passed away during this battle. I feel so sad for her. It's hard losing a husband, brother, or sister. I can't even imagine it.

March 5, 1863

I just heard that President Lincoln passed the Enrollment Act. Now anyone can skip the test if they pay $300. So annoying. I think we're getting desperate. People have to have some fighting knowledge. More and more people are going to die in these battles. Desperation. That's what this is.

November 19 1863,

President Lincoln just gave a short speech. It was better than nothing but it was still super short. But still very meaningful.

A fellow soldier noticed and helped wrap my hand with a sock. I managed to stay in command. As if that wasn’t enough, the heat later that day was unbearable. Sweat soaked us, and I had no water. Dizzy and weak, I collapsed. A nurse found me, gave me water, and took me to the medical tent. Others were worse off, but I was lucky—just dehydrated. I was grateful it wasn’t more serious.

We're still alive and still going. Today we're fighting in Vicksburg. General Grant says that if we win this battle we'll win the war. I pray that God is on our side and we win this, hopefully last, battle.

Later that day,

They finally surrendered! We won the war! I can't believe it. General Grant has become the head of the Union army now. But he gave us orders to set fire to every confederate house. It's not right. The war is over. This will just cause more blood shed. Adding onto their resentment. This isn;r going to end well in the future.

December 21, 1864

They can't be stopped. The fire's of the union blaze on as they grab onto the wood in the houses. No one can stop General Sherman. The houses won't make it. But President Lincoln will definently be reelected. He's moved onto multiple other states burning their towns. All the people were evacuated but still they lost their home it isn't right.

January 1, 1865

I. Am. In. Jail. The Confederates found me and a few other guys. They're dying here. I don't know how much longer I can stay here.

January 8, 1865

I finally made it out. But I can't hear in my left ear anymore. They put something in my ear and I had an ear infection that bursted my ear drum. But it's ok. I'm still alive.

April 9, 1865

The war is finally over. It's done. Now I get to go back home and see my family.

Wait, I just realized that I was previously injured and I need to take it easy. Or other wasie that I would reinjure myself. Once I heard about Sherman’s March, he was destroying towns, and even RAILROAD’S. I was like, “Man, that is just messed up.” I felt sad that the villages had to be burnt down to the grown, in ASHES, I was like, dude we could have just told the enslaved people to give us the cotten. Not BURN DOWN THEIR VILLAGES.  Well although we are cutting down the Confederince supplies, we were just burning down Villages,man. Well, do what you got to do. 

Durning the War

There was a lot of guns firing in the background. But then I realise that there was this one person that was on the ground and that person, looked like he was related to James. I went over to see who it was. And it was someone who was related to James. Me and James went over to help that person up and go to the Nurses tent to get better. “James, who was that?” I said to James. “That was my Brother, Charles.” James said to me. I felt sad for him. Cause that was his older brother that he told me about. 

April 9th 1865

Then I was kidnapped by the Confederite. I was in a fort, and there was James, and Charles. I hope that Charles can make it out. But then later on at night. I saw Zombies rasing from their graves from previous Union Soldiers. So I was the only one awak to see this, but then I fet this urge, I saw my hands has purple flames surrounding my hands, so then I decided to trough it at the Zombies, and Guess what……It killed the zombies. So I thought of so many things, but then I thought of one more things, I was a witch.

After I found out, I woke upu James, hoping that he was not going to freak out. “James, wake up.” I said to James. “What.” James said. “ Please don’t freak out, but I just  found out that I am a witch.” I said. “Okay, that is great.” James said. 

The next morning

The Confederite saw all the dead-dead zombies on the floor. And asked “who did this?” A Confederite soldier asked. “I did, sir.” I said. “All of you guys are free to go.” a confederite soldier told everyone. So  we all left and went to our family’s.

After all of that

Me, James, and Charles went to my house, to tell my mom. “Mom, I have something to tell you.” I said to my mother. “What is it, my child?” My mom said, “I just found out that I was a witch.” 

After that I told my mom, I went for a walk but then I stumbled upon a person. But there is this one little problem, that person looks like me. I was just wondering if she was my long-lost twin, or some rado person.

DAY 2: We managed to seize the hill of Little Round Top. We were shooting and successfully defending the hill, as it was an excellent place to defend. We were running low on supplies, causing panic from our leader. He suggested that we use our bayonets and run down the hill, stabbing anyone who's in our way. We agreed because we were running out of ammo. When we charged, I fell over and rolled down the hill with the knife by my side. I ended up slicing two dead guys and slashing the ankles of a dude who was still alive! At least the union won!

I hope that this is the last journal entry I write. I just want war to stop, but I want freedom to end. We’ve been fighting for so long, I just want to see my family again and make them proud. War has been getting worse, more chaotic and very destructive. The union army is required to set fire to all Confederate houses, and kill and the animals in sight. I feel guilty, I didn’t even agree to this. This is going too far but this could mean the end of war. I don’t support total war, I support ending freedom, without any violence. Grant believed in Total War, sadly. Sherman was told to destroy everything in his path, and take everything he could use for the Union Army.

Moments after, Sherman couldn’t be stopped. He burned Atlanta to the ground. This is so sad. His (Sherman’s) success helped Lincoln win his second term in 1864. Sherman also proudly captured Savannah Georgia as a present for Lincoln. I hate this, I don’t want violence. I just want everything to be over, but still win.  Then he marched upward to Columbia, South Carolina, and burned it all down. At last, they planned their final attack on Richmond. People tried to tell Sherman to stop, like Mary Chestnut. She explained that all was left was ashes, ashes and ashes. This was called the burning of Savannah.

After Sherman’s March, there was Andersonville. It was also tragic and terrifying. A confederate troop captured me. I was dragged into a prison called Andersonville. It wasn’t good. Obviously prison’s aren’t sunshine and rainbows, but this was horrendous. The air was filled with hints of waste and smoke. We had to starve, or fight to get food. People would perish every day. I survived, as I’m writing this journal entry right now. Thank goodness, I made a friend and we “politely” grabbed other peoples food together. I know thats not nice, but we had to fight. Other people were very violent.

Then, Appomattox Courthouse. This is when everything finished and we surrendered. Lincoln was free and safe, and enslaved people finally got to experience freedom. People were granted things for their hard work, and this is when we realized it was all over. Thank. Goodness.

As I boarded the plane, I took a deep breath. I was excited to finally see my family again. My mama, my dad, sister and brother. I got to fly back home proudly. My bravery has paid off, even when I doubted it would. I had to ask someone to grab the luggage since I have a stiff shoulder for the rest of my life. Yup, I got this from tenting as a soldier. I felt a wave of relief when I stepped off of the plane to England. Home sweet home. Thank you, journal for being there with me through these crazy times.

Few days later,

I was put in a group called the Potomac. But acording to the nurses I caught whooping caugh. I wanted to pass the time with something so I learned to play John Brown's Body on the banjo. I'm having a lot of fun with it.

Months later,

Our new general is a scardy cat. He makes us run drills and President Lincoln does NOT like that. When he told General McClellan to march to Richmond, we got there, but he made us wait for reinforcements! Then the Confederates tricked us with making us think we didn't have the upper hand. We lost so many battle with them. We're calling it the Seven Days Battles. While I was running a shell burst on my left side my hearing is coming back but for a few weeks I thought I had lost it entirly.

The next day,

I wanted to help today so I brought some of the wounded to the hospital but I was mortified by what I saw. Soldiers were crying and wailing from the pain on beds that seemed like they could break any second. There were surgeons amputating limbs right and left and throwing them into a pile. Blood everywhere. On their hands, their aprons, on the ground. I think I might thrown up. Then the next thing I know I'm on a bed with my head throbing. Apparently I had fainted. But I didn't want to stay any more than I had to so I ran my behind out of there. To many people have died from the diseases that are there.

Days later,

We're on the open ocean now. We're in a metal boat! It's so cool. and cannons can't penetrait it. We've won so many battle's with this baby.

Few days later,

I found a box of cigaretts. They have General Lee's plans in them! I'm gonna give them to the General right now.

Why did I join this war again? I still remember how the first battle went—people came to watch, brought picnic blankets, and thought the war was going to be entertaining, just a one-time event.

I want this whole thing to be over. I'm praying the leaders can come to a peaceful compromise, or just agree on something, so the war can end.

Something that came up is this: why is President Lincoln making the war about the slaves now? I thought this was about America. Why do we have to free the slaves?

General Grant has just been appointed to be our new leader, and he wants to do total war. I support this, but I do not think that it is very fair because we are already winning. We would also be very destructive to the land. I feel very scared because we have to burn things up and whatnot. Whenever we started, we burned the whole city to the ground. Along the way, we found 25,000 bales of cotton and 150 heavy guns that we are going to give to President Lincoln.

A few days later, I got CAPTURED, and taken to Andersonville. I am so angry. It was jam-packed, there was barely any food, and NO water. Basic human needs. Then, we prayed to god to get some water, and lucky enough, we did! We are so happy. Sneakily, I bribed people to protect me, and I dug a hole outside of the fence, and sneakily escaped. It was a relief.

After the war ended, I had to get my infection checked up. It was really bad because it had a lot of dirt and other things in it. Right after I got that checked out, I married the love of my life and had 4 beautiful children, 2 of which were a set of twins. We decided to move west as a family and claim our free land.

Day 1, on July 1, 1863, was a very tiring day. This was General Lee’s second attempt to attack us. This day of fighting was an accident, caused by some Confederates walking in town looking for shoes. When this started, I saw them walking around town like they owned it, looking for any supplies they saw. Me and one of the soldiers were waiting outside a store just to see the Confederates taking shoes and other supplies they needed from this store. I started to feel anxious, thinking this encounter between us and them would start something. We then left and retreated, waiting for more reinforcements to finally make our move.  

Day 2, on July 2, 1863, was then announced as the Battle of Round Top. During this, we decided to charge at the Confederates down the hill, due to many of us being without ammunition. Because of us charging down the hill at speed, we managed to dominate and maintain control over the hill.

Day 3, on July 3, 1863, was known as Pickett’s charge. This was a time when many of the Confederates thought we were at our weakest point, but little did they know that in able to attack us, they had to cross a mile of open ground. This surely benefited us in the battle. They later retreated through the backfield, giving us a victory.

After the battle, I came across a new companion. His name was Jack Williams. We played a couple of games and shared our interests and experiences. He had shared that he was discharged from the army. I was shocked. I then shared one of the most petrifying things that happened to me during this was. One of my closest friends had lost his vision in both eyes because of a gunshot behind his eyes. This was the most terrifying thing I had witnessed. Time later passed, and at this moment, he confided to me that he was not a man. He was a woman. Her name was Frances Clayton, and she joined the war with her husband, who died in the war. I had pondered whether she was the only woman in the war. 

Later that year, Lincoln decided to give a speech called The Gettysburg Address. It left me speechless. I’m very proud to say that Lincoln is our president, and that he has made the best-remembered speech in history.

I’ve survived the injury of a stiff shoulder while tenting as a soldier. It felt very painful. I had to get it checked because I needed the best treatment I could get to minimize the stiffness in my shoulder. I then went back home to Pennsylvania to see my family again. I felt joyful seeing the smiles on my younger siblings' faces. In the end, I stayed in the Union army, helping them enforce the 13th Amendment in the post-Civil War South. I’ve always wanted to do something that would make a difference in the world, and I finally did it.

It lasted for three long days. The fighting started by accident when soldiers from the other side came into town looking for supplies. Things quickly turned into a serious battle. We had to pull back at first and wait for more troops before we could really fight back.

On the second day, we fought hard to take control of a hill. Even though we didn’t have much ammo, we decided to charge and somehow managed to win that part of the battle.

The third day was when the enemy tried a huge attack, thinking we were weak. But they had to cross a wide, open field, and we were ready. We fought them off and forced them to retreat. It was a tough win, but we did it.

After the battle, I met someone new who had also been through a lot during the war. They shared something very personal that really surprised me—they had been hiding who they really were so they could fight. It made me think about how many people must have made big sacrifices to be part of the war.

Later, President Lincoln gave a speech at the battlefield, which really moved me. It reminded us why we were fighting and made me proud to be part of this moment in history.

Day 2

July 2nd, 1863

This was the battle of the round top. In this battle we had to think strategically, we decided that chasing the Confederates diwn the hill would give us more power as we try too maintain the advantage the hill gave us. We had won this battle

Day 3

July 3rd, 1863

Gloating of our victory against the south had made General Lee angry, we were at Cemetery Ridge altogether when General Lee had come to attack us. This would have been a smart move on the Confederates end if they didn't have to cross a miles worth of open ground. When they had tried to attack us we were able to get at them before they even came to us. We were able to kill and wound them creating a field of dead bodies.

After Day 3, we were finally able to rest. The battle of Gettysberg was finally over, the Union came out with victory. We had won, for now.

The Confederate army has invaded us in the North. We outnumbered them by almost 2-1, but General McClellan still couldn’t decide on what to do. We were all confused as to why the General wasn’t bringing in the reserves. The war could’ve been over if he had just made the right decisions, but General McClellan missed so many opportunities to end it. We won this battle. Although I would hardly call losing 12,400 men a victory. I was lucky enough to survive with only getting my shoes stolen and a scratch on the neck from accidentally cutting myself with my bayonet. Seeing all the 10,000 dead Confederate soldiers, still almost perfectly lined up, was enough to haunt my dreams for the rest of my life. President Lincoln finally fired General McClellan. A few months after the Battle of Antietam, President Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation. I was ecstatic to hear about this proclamation. It reassured me that all this fighting we have been doing has actually made a difference. It was also a relief to hear that with this Emancipation Proclamation, the British or French could no longer join the war on the side of the Confederacy.

I am Frances Louisa Clayton, though I enlisted under the name "Jack Williams" to hide the fact that I am a woman. I was born in 1830 in Minnesota. My husband and I decided to enlist in the Union Army. After my husband's death at the Battle of Stones River, I continued to serve, stepping over his body to continue the charge. I was discharged in 1863 and later traveled to various cities, including Quincy, Illinois, where a collection was held to help me on my journey.

The Battle of Fort Sumter marked the beginning of the Civil War. On April 12, 1861, Confederate forces opened fire on the Union garrison at Fort Sumter in Charleston Harbor.

I was never at Fort Sumter during this battle. But what happened at Fort Sumter made me and many others join the Union cause. The attack on the fort was a direct assault on the Union, and I felt it was imperative to take action to defend our nation.

The Seven Days Battles, fought from June 25 to July 1, 1862, were a different series of events in Virginia. The battles were intense and marked by heavy weight on both sides.

As a soldier, I recognized the shine of this event. I understood that this advancement would play a crucial role in the Union's strategy to blockade Southern ports and cut off supplies to the Confederacy.

The battle at Antietam was scary and awful. We marched into Maryland, thinking we might finally stop the war. But the fighting was worse than anything I had seen before.

They say Antietam was the bloodiest day in American history. So many men were hurt or killed. I didn’t even know if I would make it out alive. I was still pretending to be a man. My name was Jack to the other soldiers. Only I knew I was Francis.

The sky was full of smoke. The ground was full of mud and blood. I held my gun so tight. I just kept loading and shooting, over and over. I saw people fall right next to me. I helped carry a young soldier who was badly hurt. He didn’t make it. I buried him myself. That was really hard.

After the battle, President Lincoln said something big. He gave the Emancipation Proclamation. It said that all the slaves in the South should be free. Some people in the army didn’t like it. They said the war wasn’t about that.

But I thought it was the right thing to do. I didn’t grow up with slaves, but I always knew it was wrong to treat people like property. If this war could help end slavery, then I was proud to be fighting.

I’m not just fighting to win. I’m fighting to make things better. To help people be free. That’s what the Emancipation Proclamation meant to me.

I was on a hill called Little Round Top. We held that spot even when the Confederate soldiers kept coming. My shoulder hurt from firing my gun so many times. I saw people fall on both sides—friends and strangers.

On the third day, the Confederates charged at us in something called Pickett’s Charge. It was a big attack, but we stopped them. The field was full of fallen soldiers after. It was so sad. Winning didn’t feel good. It just felt like more loss.

Later, President Lincoln gave a short speech called the Gettysburg Address. It was short, but powerful. He said we had to keep fighting so all the people who died didn’t die for nothing. That speech made me feel proud, and it reminded me why I was still here. We’re fighting for something bigger than just winning a war—we’re fighting for freedom and for a better future.

Later, we went on Sherman’s March through the South. We burned buildings, tore up railroads, and tried to destroy anything the enemy could use. Some people thought it was mean. I didn’t like seeing towns destroyed, but I knew we had to end the war. I think total war was the only way to do it.

One of the hardest parts was the burning of Savannah. Seeing homes on fire hurt my heart. But I kept thinking about the people who had been slaves. If burning the city helped end slavery, maybe it was worth it.

I never went to Andersonville, the prison camp. But I knew men who did. They were treated badly—barely any food, sick all the time. If I had been sent there, I would have stayed quiet, strong, and done whatever I could to survive.

Now, in April 1865, the war is over. The Confederates surrendered at Appomattox. It feels strange. I should be happy, but I’m mostly just tired. I’ve taken off my disguise. I’m Francis again. I made it. I don’t know what’s next, but I hope it’s peace.

Some of our cavalry accidentally ran into some Confederate soldiers today and started a fight. When our troops came back for reinforcements, I had to join the battle with many others. We took the defensive position and formed a compact line in front of the Confederate forces. We were also able to maintain control over Little Round Top. General Meade informed us that whoever controls Little Round Top and Cemetary Hill would have a much better chance at winning this battle.

Day 2 (July 2nd, 1863)

I thought I’d die today. Today, we fought hard over control of Little Round Top and Cemetary Hill. Although we were able to maintain control, we ran out of ammunition. My heart dropped when I heard the announcement. I thought it was over for us. Luckily, Joshua Chamberlain had a plan. He told us all to charge down the hill with our bayonets. As I charged down the hill, I tried my best to avoid getting shot and stepping on all of the bodies. Fortunately for me, the Confederacy surrendered before I had to stab anybody.

Day 3 (July 3rd, 1863)

I was informed that the Confederate soldiers were running through Cemetary Ridge. This greatly confused me because it’s about a mile of open ground. All of our soldiers lined up, readied our rifles, and opened fire on them. They were dropping like flies out there, and the survivors retreated back through their dead or wounded comrades. Finally, the Battle of Ghettysburg was over. This battle was absolutely devastating with about 51,000 total casualties, about 23,000 of those being our Union soldiers.

There was only one Confederate fort left along the Mississippi river. If we managed to gain control over it, we would essentially split their forces in two. General Ulysses S. Grant led us to surround Vicksburg in a siege. Vicksburg finally surrendered to us after a couple weeks of our siege on July 4th. We finally had control over the Mississippi river and cut of any Confederate forces in Texas, Arkansas, and Louisiana. After the Battle of Vicksburg, I heard that General Grant had been appointed to commander of the entire Union Army. I also heard that he believes in total war, so we would be required to burn down and kill anything in sight. The idea of this frightened me. I didn’t want to cause mass destruction, I just wanted this war to end. That night, I set up my tent while singing “Tenting Tonight” with my fellow soldiers and we all shared about how we felt about the lyrics. I think they perfectly mirror how tired I feel about this war. I just want to go back to peace.

November 15th - December 21st, 1864

We were led by General William Sherman to march to Atlanta, Georgia, and destroy everything in our path and take all that we could for our army. The Confederacy tried to stop us, but with our 100,000 soldiers, we were unstoppable. I still didn’t enjoy the idea of total war. It went against my beliefs and felt wrong. Once we made it to Atlanta, we told all of the citizens to leave, and we burned down the whole city. I felt disgusted at myself this whole time, but at least we were able to help President Lincoln get back in office. We continued our riot, taking Savannah, Georgia and burning down Columbia, South Carolina. I was captured in South Carolina and taken away to a Confederate prison called Andersonville. Andersonville was a disgusting place, and people were dying around me everyday. I thought of a way out, and while they were letting more Union prisoners in, I snuck out and ran through the trees. I was almost shot, but I managed to escape the terrible prison of Andersonville. We finally met back up with General Grant in Virginia and prepared for our final attack on Richmond.

April 9th, 1865

We easily outnumbered the Confederate troops in Richmond. They must have realized that, because they abandoned the city. We pursued them to a tiny town in Virginia called Appomattox. The Confederates finally surrendered. The war was finally over. I felt a huge rush of relief and happiness. From all of this war, I lost hearing in my left ear. I was finally able to leave the Union Army and left to start a real life. I moved to New York for a while and found true love there. We plan on starting a family, so we need to find somewhere to settle down. I became a cowboy and participated in the cattle drives from texas to Chicago, Illinois. I’m glad my life of war is finally over and I can enjoy life with my family.

It is Louise Akers/Eleanor Roberts. Looking back, some Confederates were searching for new shoes when Union soldiers spotted them. We called for reinforcements, and so did they. This was just the beginning of the Battle of Gettysburg.

(Day Two) During the second day of the Gettysburg battle, we stood on Little Round Top hill. We stood in silence for a moment, unsure of our next move since we had no ammunition. Our general ordered us to run down the hill, stabbing the Confederates on our way down with the bayonets we had made. At first, I was frightened, but I focused on dodging rocks and trees. I started to get the hang of it, my heart pounding as I accelerated down the hill. Suddenly, I stubbed my toe against a huge rock and began tumbling down. I was scared and braced for impact with my bayonet in front of me. I heard a slash and quickly stopped my momentum. I gazed up to see the fallen body of a Confederate soldier pierced by my bayonet. I looked down to check if I had any serious injuries. I looked down at my hands to see that my right hand had been bruised and cut. After the battle, one of the nurses quickly patched it up and said that I was ready to join the next battle. We had won the war.

(Day Three) I was told that the Confederate soldiers were running through Cemetery Ridge. I was utterly confused. Running in the open? What were they thinking?! The Union soldiers, including me, lined up ready to shoot. I held my rifle and steadied my hand. The Confederates began to retreat. Finally, the Battle of Gettysburg was over. I was reminded of Abraham Lincoln's speech that we are fighting for freedom, something much bigger than any of us.

When I heard about the burning of Savannah, it hurt even more. I know it was supposed to hurt the Confederates, but it also hurt innocent people. I kept thinking about the children, the elderly, and families who had to watch their homes burn. How can we call that a victory when so many people were hurt?

Andersonville was another awful thing I heard about. It was a prison full of sickness, death, and terrible smells. I can’t imagine what it would be like to be trapped there. I would have tried to escape, and if I couldn’t, I would have done anything to build shelter and stay safe.

When I heard that the war ended at the Appomattox Courthouse, I felt so many emotions. I was happy, but also deeply sad. All I could think about was the lives lost and the families hurt. It made me question everything we went through.

As for me, I got hurt during the war with a bad shoulder injury. It was really painful, but I got help and tried to recover. After that, I finally went home to Pennsylvania. Seeing my little brothers and sisters smiling again made me so happy.

In the end, I stayed with the Union army to help make sure the 13th Amendment was followed in the South. I’ve always wanted to make a difference, and I feel like I finally did.

Again, we were at war, but this time, I wasn't scared. No, I was ready for whatever came my way, good or bad, and most of all, ready to win. Before the war started, I told General McClellan about the plans I had found out about the Confederates' plans for the next war. We should now have the advantage. Back to the war, where it seemed like an easy win, from my point of view, it looked like we had twice as many people as the Confederates. But for some unknown reason, we never fully attacked. Later, while the war was still going on, the Confederate troops came back together in the war. Then we started to fight, like really fight, and while I was fighting, I hurt my knee during the battle, so I had to retreat to the hospital. Hopefully, I will have both my legs when I get out. While I was in the hospital, I had heard that we had won. I was happy yet sad I wasn't there for the end. But on some worse news, McCellann was fired, and we had lost lots of souls today. I don't know how we'll get them back. I had a newspaper in the hospital and learned that Abraham Lincoln, the president, would issue the Emancipation Proclamation, which gave all slaves in the Confederate states freedom unless the states joined the Union. Well, that's all that has happened so far. Pray for my leg.

Dear Diary,

I joined the Union Army because I couldn’t sit back and watch the country break apart. My father always said, “If you believe in something, you stand for it.” I believe in keeping this country whole.

I’m just a blacksmith’s son from a quiet town in Pennsylvania. My ma cried when I left, and my little sister Anna gave me her blue ribbon to keep in my pocket. I hold onto it when things get loud or scary.

This morning, Fort Sumter was hit. Cannon fire started before the sun came up. Smoke filled the sky, and the ground shook with each blast. We couldn’t help the men inside. They held out as long as they could, but they had to surrender by afternoon.

When I saw our flag taken down, something sank in my chest. I was angry, sure, but I was scared, too. This war is real now.

Louise Akers back again. I hope this is my last entry about the Civil War. Today, the Union army was ordered to begin a “total war.” We were required to set fire to all Confederate houses and buildings and kill any animals in sight. My heart sank, hundreds of innocent people and families would be hurt.

During the burning of Savannah, I was ordered to burn the house of a small family. They pleaded and begged, tears in their eyes. But the damage had been done. I hesitantly dropped the torch on their porch and turned to walk away. I felt extremely guilty. I didn’t agree with total war.

Later, I was imprisoned in Andersonville prison. Disease and illness spread as fast as the smoke had during total war. I desperately wanted to be freed. People died every day. Since we had to fight over the scarce amount of food, I was pushed and scraped hard against the floor, getting a deep cut on my arm. Without proper medical help, and with disease spreading, the scrape became infected.

Once I was freed, I was able to witness the surrender at Appomattox Courthouse. Enslaved people were finally free! The war was finally over! I went to a hospital and had my wounds properly treated. I was informed that I had a life-threatening infection, but it cleared up thanks to medication.

I decided to go to my family's home in England. The burden of war has finally been lifted. Goodbye!

Eleanor Roberts

Bull Run

Diary,

I can still hear the screams.

The Battle of Bull Run was supposed to be a quick win. That’s what they told us. “We’ll send the Rebels running,” they said. Some folks even brought picnic baskets to watch from the hills. But nothing about today felt like a show.

It started off like we expected. We pushed forward, confident, maybe too confident. The rebels fell back, or at least, that’s what we thought. Turns out, they were just drawing us in.

Then hell opened up.

Cannons roared from the treeline. That’s when it happened, my captain, just a few feet in front of me, was split in two by a Confederate shell. One second he was barking orders, and the next... he was gone. Just like that. No time to speak, no time to pray. The look in his eyes will never leave me, it was pure fear, not pain. Like he knew this wasn’t just a battle. It was a slaughter.

And then we ran.

The line broke. I think most of us thought the Confederates were retreating, but they weren’t. They were reinforcing. When their fresh troops charged, we panicked.

The noise, the smoke, the screaming, some of our officers couldn’t tell who was who. Horses trampled men. Soldiers dropped their rifles and bolted. I did too. I wish I could say I stood my ground, but I didn’t. I ran like the rest of them.

It didn’t feel like a retreat. It felt like shame.

We went in thinking this was just a misunderstanding, something that’d be over before we knew it. But after today, I see the truth.

This isn’t a game. They’re not backing down. They mean to fight, and now, so do I.

July #, 1862

The smoke hasn't cleared yet, not really. It still hangs in the trees, like the war wants to stay here. I don’t remember much of the fight itself, just.. flashes. Dirt, blood, and shouting. It all blurred into a kind of madness.

After the last shots quieted down, I went looking for water. That’s when I found him, gray uniform, slumped in a thicket, his breath rattling like a kettle left on too long. Shot clean through the lungs. Young, maybe nineteen. Eyes wide but calm.

He looked at me and said nothing. I told him to hang on and ran to get a surgeon. The doctor came, took one look, and shook his head. Said he’d die if we moved him. Said he’d die if we didn’t. Then he left.

So I sat with him. Gave him what little water I had. We didn’t talk. I think he just didn’t want to die alone. And I couldn’t let him.

That was the worst part of the Seven Days, not the noise, not the chaos. It was the silence afterward, and the boy in the thicket who wouldn’t see another morning.

March #, 1862

I heard the stories before I saw it, iron ships, they said. Cannonballs bouncing off like pebbles. We were marching near the coast when the word spread: the Monitor and the Merrimack, or the Virginia, as the Rebs now called her, had clashed in the water. No winner, just smoke and fire and two monsters refusing to sink.

It rattled all of us. If wooden ships were useless now, what would war look like tomorrow?

As we pushed forward inland, I was thinking about that, about how everything was changing faster than we could march. That’s when I saw it: a small bundle on the road. Three cigars, tied in twine. I almost walked past, but something made me stop.

Inside the wrapper? Lee’s campaign orders. Real ones. He’d split his army, cut it in half. I froze for a moment, heart pounding. That kind of information could turn the whole war. I ran it to my officer like my boots were on fire.

Iron ships. Secret plans in cigars. Nothing about this war is what we expected.

Antietam

I’ll never forget the smell, smoke, blood, and corn stalks crushed underfoot. We thought we might end the war that day. We didn’t.

General Lee had pushed into Maryland, bold as ever, hoping to cut off Washington and starve us out. Our boys outnumbered them two to one, but McClellan... he hesitated again. Held back our reserves when we could’ve crushed them. Lee pulled his troops back just in time, and somehow, it still counted as a Union win.

But at what cost?

After the battle, I was sent to walk the fields looking for any wounded we missed. That’s when I found him, a drummer boy, no older than twelve, lying quiet in the grass. His drum was still strapped to him, hands curled like he was still holding the sticks. Gone too soon. I couldn’t move for a minute. Just knelt there. War’s got a way of stealing the young first.

Then came Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation. I read it twice, hands still dirty from the field. It didn’t end the war, but it changed the reason we fight. Now it’s not just about keeping the Union together, it’s about ending slavery. I’m proud to stand for that. Makes this bloody ground feel like it means something.

Still, I keep thinking about that boy. He didn’t live to see freedom, but maybe now someone else will.

Gettysburg

The smoke has finally lifted over the fields of Gettysburg, and I can still hardly believe we’re standing. The roar of cannon and crack of rifles still echo in my mind like a storm that refuses to pass. I took a bullet to the hand during the second day, nothing grave, just enough to remind me how close the edge truly is out here. The surgeon patched me up quickly, and I told him I wasn’t leaving my men. Not now.

Staying with my command isn’t just duty, it’s the only thing that makes sense anymore. These faces beside me, covered in soot and sweat, are family in this chaos. We’ve seen too much to turn our backs on each other now. The pain in my hand is sharp, but it’s the ache in my chest, knowing how many we lost, that cuts deeper.

Gettysburg will be remembered, no doubt. But for me, it’s not about glory or victory. It’s about surviving—and standing firm when it would’ve been easier to fall.

########, 1863

I stood among the crowd today as President Lincoln gave his address. It was brief, quieter than I expected, but his words hit harder than any cannon ever could. He spoke of a new birth of freedom, of finishing the work the fallen started. I thought of the boys we left behind at Gettysburg.

It stirred something in me. Not pride, exactly, but purpose. Maybe all this blood means something after all. Maybe we can hold this country together.

Vicksburg

Looking back on everything, the marches, the battles, the brothers lost, I'm not the same man who first picked up a rifle. This war has aged us all. The fire in me hasn’t gone out, but it burns differently now. Quieter. Meaner, maybe.

Do I support total war? I don’t know if I support it, but I understand it. The South won’t quit easy. If breaking their will means marching through their fields, burning their rails, and ending this sooner, then so be it. I'm tired of burying boys with promises.

If total war means fewer graves in the end... maybe it's the only way

######## ## - ######## ##, 1864

Sherman's March

After Savannah, I thought I’d seen the worst of it. But I was wrong. They caught us during a skirmish near the river, me and a few others. We were sent to Andersonville.

Hell has a name, and it’s that prison. No fire, no cannon, just hunger, disease, and time, all of it slowly tearing the soul out of a man. I watched friends waste away, skin stretched thin over bone, their eyes already halfway gone. We weren’t soldiers in there. We were ghosts with beating hearts.

How did I survive? I stopped waiting for rescue. I scraped for scraps, bartered for a crust of bread with anything I had. I remembered names. Faces. I talked to the dying like they still mattered, because they did. I clung to purpose like it was the last rope out.

Even now, with my body out and my mind still half in that place, I know one thing: I made it. And as long as I breathe, I owe it to the ones who didn’t.

##### #, 1865

Appomattox

It’s over.

Word reached us yesterday, Lee surrendered at Appomattox Courthouse. No more marching, no more gunfire, no more burying friends before the sun goes down. The camp is quiet, like we’re all holding our breath, waiting for someone to say it was just a dream.

I should feel joy. Relief. But all I feel is hollow. We lost too much. Whole towns of boys are gone, and what we’ve won feels too heavy to carry. I watched men cheer, cry, and even fall to their knees. I just sat down and stared at the sky. How do you walk away from something that changed your soul?

My wound from last week’s skirmish festers worse than I let on. Infection’s taken hold. I don’t think I’ll see home again. That’s alright. My fight is done.

If someone finds this, tell Ma I kept my promise, I didn’t leave my men. Tell her I saw peace come, even if I couldn’t walk into it.

"War isn’t about who wins, it’s about who remains."

Lincoln was sad but knew he had to act. After Fort Sumter fell, he asked for 75,000 volenteers to fight and save the Union. Many people in the North were now ready to help. Fort Sumter was the start of a long and hard war. Lincoln became a strong leeder who worked hard to keep the country together. He never gave up on the idea that America should be one nation.

The Battle of Gettersburg happend in July 1863. It was one of the biggest and most importent battles of the war. In this story, Jacob Miller is there with his Union friends, ready to fight for the North.

On the first day, the Confeedrits came fast. Jacob and his unit had to fall back, but they didn’t give up. On the second day, he helped defend a place called Little Round Top. It was a big hill and very hard to hold, but Jacob was brave.

On the last day, he saw Pickett’s Charge, when the Confeedrits ran across a big field. Jacob helped stop them with his muskit. It was a loud and scary day, but the Union won!

If Jacob Miller had really been at Gettersburg, I think he would’ve been a hero—just like he was at Chickamauga!

I escaped slavery in 1849.  I organized and helped to free slaves. At the time the events at Fort Sumter were happening, I had just left Canada for the United States. I was hopeful that the war would result in the abolishment of slavery.

We had been shooting canons for weeks, it was a miracle they haven't surrendered. At this point I feel like I want to quit!

July 4th 1863

After weeks of firing nonstop and cutting off routes they finally surrendered. The Union had won the civil war. We then gained control of the confederate, having slavery abolished. We had won. When I went back to Georgia I then reconnected with my family, unfortunately later on we found out that my father had passed. Knowing this brought me peace. I found peace in knowing that my father was able to rest after all those heavy years. It gave me peace knowing if he was dead or alive. I was able to finally live in peace, knowing my family wouldn't hurt anymore.

It stunk of manure, and the harsh conditions of the prison camp didn't help that slash on my neck; if anything, it worsened my injury.

On the first day of being confined, the place was littered with unfamiliar faces. I even began to rethink my previous decisions in activating my survival instincts before my confinement.

And even if I was quick to enlist in the Union army, I had enough time to ponder on what had happened so far ... to think back on my original motives. And occasionally, we'd receive updates from gossiping guards on duty.

And then... a term was relayed back to me. Total War. This means that the new Union general, Ulysses S. Grant, would set any Confederate territories ablaze.

I was held prisoner in Pennsylvania after the Battle of Gettysburg, and Georgia wasn't that close to me.

However, I was still stunned by the news. And sure, now that I think about it, we Southerners wasn't the kindest folk in the nation. But burning down a whole town? That some ... unscrupulous stuff!

But with no other choice, I begged one of the men in charge to let me swear an oath of loyalty under the Union in exchange for my freedom. He claimed that he would "Think about it" and would "Get back to me" eventually.

As I was rotting in my makeshift tipi, I witnessed a peculiar show playing outside my tent. I brushed aside the tent's flaps and made my way to the source of the noise. There, standing before me, a group of Union guards was hosting a minstrel performance out in the open.

I always found this type of entertainment ... disturbing and downright repulsive. The way the men danced to the fiddle and banjo with their faces painted black still torments my subconscious without even trying.

But eventually, the main performing guard began to sing a solemn tune, mustering up every last bit of warmth from the axis of his heart.

My chest ached as the lyrics sank in, and I had to swallow that lump of despair to prevent it from forming in my throat.

Later on, I was pulled out of the camp and transported to yet another forsaken bivouac. It appears that my "Rebelness" stunk up the camp because everyone made sure to evade my presence like I was the embodiment of the Bubonic Plague.

I was then stationed in one of the six regiments that would take part in the later infamous Sherman's March.

When the news was transferred to me, I was petrified by the intel, and I flat out refused to do so. But one of the officers in charge claimed that I had "no choice " and that there were "Things in life you will have to do despite not wanting to."

So I was immediately thrown back into the battlefield with an army that didn't like me or the land and soil that I was born into.

During the March in Atlanta, Georgia, I felt my heart plummet to my stomach as I begrudgingly set everything ablaze.

My torch, still fiercely beaming with its strong flames, was far different from the weariness that stained my eyes.

We continued to destroy anything and everything that stepped foot in our path, and as the heavy fog of the smoke ascended in the air, I witnessed the others destroy the train tracks as well! Nothing was safe from this dang on train wreck.

As I blankly gazed up at a demolished residence, a gang of Rebels spotted me since I was astray from my group.

Before I could even react, they detained me, and I was incarcerated once again. But this time, I was a prisoner of the Confederacy.

I was shipped off to Andersonville, a hellhole on Earth, with its living conditions being worse than the prison the Union kept me in.

During the days of my incarceration, I kept myself occupied and alive through stealing another prisoner's food when he wasn't looking. Yes, it sure was scummy of me to do so, but what choice did I have?

On numerous occasions, I would get caught smuggling bread under my uniform and would engage in a brawl.

Learning from my previous fights, I would end up succeeding in both winning the fight and gaining more food for energy.

Flies swarmed and infested certain areas of the prison, greedily feasting on the carcasses of fallen prisoners.

We were left to fend for ourselves the entire time, and some even had to dig burrows for shelter.

Under the unforgiving sun, I was left scrutinizing the sky -- almost blinded by its teasing beams. I weakly swallowed that lump of despair as it threatened to form in my throat.

In the vast distance, my ears captured the voice of a former beloved. I remained unresponsive to my surroundings, and my body involuntarily went limp.

A man loomed over me and vigorously shook me by my shoulders. The malnutrition left me brain-dead, which appeared to alert the man even more.

His tears plopped on my dirtied face, and I felt my expression go sour.

After a handful of water from the man's flask landed in my mouth, I sprang up and snagged the bottle out of his possession, taking another swig of his flask until there was nothing left.

A weak but relieved sigh escaped my mouth, and I glanced up at the man, puzzled by his sudden act of kindness.

But then ... my eyes were nearly bugged out of their sockets and I began to choke on my spit.

Casmire.

My husband. A guard. Stationed in this prison.

He seemed more surprised than I, and conflicted at that.

We exchanged no words at first, and my gaze was averted to the ground in shame.

"You uh ... chopped off your unruly locks, finally."

He murmured awkwardly.

I nodded solemnly in response and stumbled back up. He glances around our premises, scanning his surroundings before pulling me aside.

His heart ached upon discovering no shine in my eyes, and a tear left my face. Casmire ran a calloused finger over my face, swiping off the sweat and debris that had built up on my cheek.

"I'm gonna getchu outta here, understood? I swear... I'll getchu outta here if it's the last thing I do."

A bitter chuckle rumbled in my wounded throat, and Casmire ran a distressed hand over her face as he witnessed the concerning flare in the injury.

Hours later, he pulled me aside in the dead of night and handed over a spare uniform. I looked up at him with a questioning gaze, but he said nothing more.

After I got changed, we began to navigate our way out of the prison -- and as expected, escaped on some stolen horses without being suspected by the other guards.

They most likely assumed that we were on patrol and set us loose.

On the ride to Union lines, Casmire questioned me. He appeared upset at the fact that I switched sides. I explained to him that I joined the war in the first place in search of him. I opened up about my experiences, about how this wasn't the first time I've been held prisoner, and that I galvanized myself to escape the harsh conditions of the prison I was kept in.

But it seemed like my sob stories barely phased him. He was mainly focused on the fact that I fought on both sides of the war. I confronted him about it, and we engaged in a heated argument. I expressed how my views had changed while I was in Andersonville, and I believed slavery was inhumane after interacting with black Union soldiers. His arguing halted during the remainder of our ride.

After traveling to Yankee territory, we hid among the Northern civilians until news got out that the war had finally concluded. And while Casmire and I leaped and danced in joy, we knew that if we returned to the South, we would be met with nothing. The war had destroyed our farm, and we were left bankrupt and penniless. But, during the post-Civil War era, we traveled to the West and thrived off the vast land after being provided with our own property through the Homestead Act.

I never wore another dress after the War. And while Casmire and I remained platonic, he still stuck around to aid me when I had a life-threatening infection from that gash on my neck.

General Grant believed in total war. As a 19-year-old, I just wanted to go home and see my family again and not take any chances to lose a limb or even die. In the end, I and 100,000 soldiers were forced to march with General Sherman from Tennessee to Atlanta. We were strictly told to ravage anything in our path that could lead to an advantage. Once we reached Atlanta, Georgia, we alerted citizens to leave the area. We then burned the city to the ground. After more marches to Columbia and Savannah, we met with General Grant near Richmond for our final battle. After preparation, we trudged towards the city. Confederates charged us violently, and I was quickly captured.

I and 100 other men were brought to a Confederate prison called Andersonville. It reeked with a horrid scent that stunk up the prison. There was barely any food available for the 100 of us. We slept unbearably for the first 2 nights due to our serious wounds and sickness. After 2 weeks at the camp, we got word that Sherman took control of the city and the Confederates surrendered. Grant surprisingly gave food to the Confederates who surrendered and understood that the country needed to unite eventually.

At one point, I lost sight of my unit and thought I’d never find them again. My boots got stuck in the mud, and I almost fell over. I was tired and hungry, but I kept going because I knew I had to. When the battle finally ended, I felt like I could sleep for a week. We won, but it didn’t feel like much of a victory with so many people hurt.

A few months later, President Lincoln came and spoke at Gettysburg. I didn’t understand every word, but I knew it was important. He talked about freedom and how the soldiers who died were heroes. Hearing him made me feel proud, like maybe all this fighting is for something good. I hope he’s right.

I was lucky I never got sent to a prison like Andersonville, but I heard it was terrible. If I had ended up there, I think I would have tried to stay strong by thinking about my family and home.

When I heard the fighting was finally done, I just wanted to go home and see my mom and dad. I miss them so much. I hope things can go back to normal, but I know I’ll never forget what happened. I want to help make things better now that the war is over. I hope we can all live in peace.

We thought we would win, but our soldiers were not ready or well-trained for battle. The Confederate army was so strong that we had to retreat. It was so embarrassing. After the battle, a lot of the soldiers were injured, so I had to spend time taking care of them. I also decided to take on the role of spying on the Confederate army.

The Seven-Day Battle (July 1862)

Once again, we were defeated, but the Confederate army tricked us into thinking that they had a lot of troops and attacked us. The results of the battle were so horrible. As I walked around trying to help the wounded, many soldiers were screaming in agony, there was blood everywhere, and many limbs were being amputated and thrown into a pile. It was so gruesome, and I couldn't wait to leave, but people needed help, and I wanted to lend my support in any way I could.

The Confederates attacked Fort Sumter and they said any attempt to send supplies would be an act of aggression, and when the Union tried, they opened fire. The fort was left in ruins, but thankfully, no one died. The president had no choice but to call for men to join the army. When I heard about it, I knew it was the start of something bigger than all of us.

I wasn’t ready for it, but I signed up that day.

Now, I’m just waiting. I don’t know what’s coming, but I’m preparing for whatever it is. I’m scared, but I can’t just sit around. This war isn’t just about politics anymore—it’s about keeping our country whole. I don’t know how long I’ll be here or what will happen next.

General McClellan took over after that and decided we needed more training. So, we’ve been stuck drilling day after day with the army. It’s getting old, but I guess it’s necessary. That gave me a lot of time to sit around, so I started learning to play the banjo. I picked up “John Brown’s Body” pretty quick. It’s a distraction, I suppose.

I’ve also been writing to my fiancé back home. We’ve been talking about our wedding, trying to make plans for when this whole mess is over. But right now, I’m still here, training, waiting for whatever comes next.

I had just gotten a new breech loading rifle. It could hold 16 bullets, which made shooting faster and easier. I didn’t have to load one at a time anymore. That helped, but it didn’t make the fighting any less horrible.

Confederate soldiers lay in lines, like they’d just been standing there before they were hit. I don’t think I’ll ever forget that.

After the battle, people started talking about President Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation. He’s saying he’ll free enslaved people in the Southern states still fighting against us. Not the border states, though. I get why, but it still feels like there’s more that should be done. I’m starting to think this war isn’t just about keeping the country together. It’s about what kind of country we’re going to be. I’ve seen too much to think slavery should ever be okay.

We are marching to another battle with a new general: McClellan. I can't tell if I trust him or not, but he's one of the few we have, so it's fine. If I'm correct, it's happening at Antietam.

3 days later...

There are a LOT of things I'm going to need to write down; a lot of feelings and physical pain... The battle was long and hard, and our general did horribly. Although that was covered with our large unit size, we lost many more men than they did. I think I hit someone, not sure. I then leaned forward too hard and fell, hitting my knee on a rock. It was swollen to twice its size.

There's also a new thing going around called the "Emancipation Proclamation."? It means that any slaves in the states we capture will be freed. I dont't own slaves, but I do think that it is a kind thing to do.