Post your Civil War journals as comments!
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About Me
- Ms. D
- No time to spare? Here's the quick & dirty version of what's happening in the worlds of libraries, technology, and education, from the lone librarian in a suburban school district. Enjoy.
142 comments:
Dear Diary,
It’s now 1865, I’m a stay at home wife right now. All I do is worry for my husband and son. I also make there cloths and food and clean but, that’s not so hard for me because I have to do something to get them off my mind. Every time I think that my husband or son may be dead I cry. I hope the north wins I don’t think slavery is right and neither does my family I just hope this county can work things out to stay as one because after all were all created equal. I pray all the time that my husband and son are all right, god please keep them safe.
Amanda Chappelar
SABRINA 2ED PERIOD
Dear Robert,
I am now a nurse to help soldiers. I am glad; I can do something to help them out. At first I was grossed out by the blood and all that nasty stuff. Then, I got used to it and now I’m happy doing it. I am so exhausted helping the soldiers day and night. I don’t have a true home, I just move around different hospitals. One time, there were a lot of soldiers coming in, we had to move fast! There was one patient that was severely damaged and it reminded me of my brother that was in war. I feel so sad and I wonder when this nightmare will end. I do miss you dearly, I hope you come home soon!
Sincerely, Abbie Brooks.
Stefany Zelaya 2nd period.
Fourteenth of April 1861
Let me try to describe myself in the most amusing way.
Hi. My name is Leila Morris. I am a sixteen year old Northern girl, living at home with my mother. We’re patiently waiting for my father to come home from the war. …That really did not sound amusing. Let alone, interesting.
Now that the war has begun, I believe that it could’ve been easily avoided. But people are too hard headed to figure out what to do. If only I had a say in this horrid war.
I think people are cruel to believe that slavery is a perfectly good matter. What’s wrong with these violent people? Better yet, what’s wrong with our country?
We need a rude awakening. We all do.
Today, my mother and I cleaned what’s left of our dirty clothing. I dusted the bookshelves and made some fresh bread. All I had in my head was my father. I was constantly wondering if he was alright, if he was safe. My mother told me that my father would be alright. He will come back safe and sound.
I don’t believe her.
Twelfth of July 1863
So much has happened in the past two years. I have grown up to be an eighteen year old with the mind of a mature thirteen year old with a lot of say of what’s going on in our messed up country at the moment.
My older sister, Tessa, wrote to my mother and me.
We sat together, eating left over bread and molasses from the day before, reading my sister’s handwriting out loud. I felt like she was there as we read.
It said:
“There’s just so many groaning and moaning coming from all the wounded soldiers.
I always want to scream out loud, to blame everyone for all this pain these soldiers are going through right now.
I hate the war. I want it to be over.
Why can’t we just get along?
A man, Andrew’s [her boyfriend] age came in and I felt like throwing up. What if Father looks like that? What if Andrew looked like that?
I want to go home. I want to see all your beautiful faces again. I miss you.
Love,
Tessa”
It felt depressing reading the entry. It made me sick to the stomach thinking about my father in this stupid war.
Even the music and games don’t help. They don’t help at all.
Now that the country has been at war for two years, I believe that it will never end.
Thirteenth of April 1865
The war is over. I’m glad. But my father has died in it.
We’ve learned from another letter my sister wrote to us.
It’s like out world has come to an end.
My mother has been silent for this whole week. I could hear her cry during the night.
I would like to comfort her, but that would be even worse.
Yesterday, I cried over the last bit of moldy bread we had. I cried for such a long time. My heart has stopped beating. My mom’s heart has shattered.
All those innocent lives… have ended. Why did he have to be a soldier?
I hope I can get through this. I hope… we can get through this.
I need Tessa. I need my father. Come home.
Is there a way to be optimistic about things like this? Is there a way to get through this without anymore tears?
I don’t believe there is.
Jessa Delos Reyes. Second period.
Dear Abbie ,
I am a soldier working for the Union. My birthday was just last week and now I’m 24. Now that the war has begun, I feel that I am going to die soon. I think war could’ve been avoided if we talked it out. I am scared that I am a soldier because if I die I won’t get to see you again. Today I was wounded by some soldiers because I fought in a terrifying battle. My uniform is full of blood and now I am hungry. I can barely get sleep nowadays. I just hope that I get to see you again and I survive this terrible battle.
Sincerely Samuel Garfield
Marvin Chen 2nd period.
April 12, 1861
Dear Diary,
Today, it was my first day at war. It felt like, every minute, there were always wounded soldiers coming to be cured. This year, I turned thirty one. I really miss Pennsylvania, the clothes and food. I wear simple brown dresses. Today, I have eaten biscuits. The General assigned me to sleep in a small tent, which I am sharing with other nurses. This morning, I saw many soldiers carrying weapons to fight against the confederates.
I felt that this war could've been avoided. One reason is ,I thought, we could've voted on the compromises, whether the North and South agreed on it or not. I felt that Congress did have the right to stop slavery if they wanted to. In my opinion, I think slavery should be abolished because slaves are also humans and they should be treated the same as us.
Elizabeth O. Gibson
May 7, 1863
Dear Diary,
So much has happened over the past two years. I have seen people die on the battle field and in my arms. I have not seen so many people die in my in my life. Although we had more people than the Confederates, we still lost many soldiers. It is very tiring nursing the wounded soldiers because a battle could start anytime of the day. Basically, nurses and doctors are in-call every moment of the day. The Confederates can easily attack us if we were off-guard. This war made my life difficult. For example, I had to do everything, including delivering meals and comforting soldiers. I know... I know... this is my job, but it is very tiring at times.
When I am stressed out and I want to relax, I listen to folk music. My daily life is pretty good, but, at times, there is a shortage of food. Now that the country has been at war for two years now, I believe that the war will end in the next couple of years.
Elizabeth O. Gibson
April 10, 1865
Dear Diary,
The war is now over. I hope to return to Pennsylvania because I miss my family very much. The Confederates surrendered to us. Now, I am hopeful that there will not be another war like this. The United States will become a united union again.
Elizabeth O. Gibson
Linda Jiang 2nd period
Let me describe myself, my name is Marshal Fob. I am a 14 year old white confederate soldier, I am also a private at the Louisiana infantry. Now that the war has begun, I believe it could never have been avoided, too much tension was between the north and south. I’m scared of being a soldier, I never wanted to, the confederate army forced me to go fight in the war. Today I woke up in one of the wealthy family’s mansions. After I woke up, I put on my gray buttoned confederate uniform. Occasionally we eat meat and bread, but on rare occasions, we have salted pork and fresh beef. Everyday I carry my rifle with me.
So much has happened in the last two years, I got shot once in the arm. I fought alongside with many other confederate soldiers, most of whom are dead now. This war has made my life very difficult. For example, I was pulled away from my family and has only written to them for the last 2 years. Most of us don’t have enough to eat, some don’t eat for 3 days straight. Some people didn’t die because of battle, but because of starvation and disease, which is stupid. At least there are some amusements to help pass the time. For example, I like to practice shooting on prisoners from the union.
Simon Zheng 2nd period
Dear Lisa, It’s been two months since I’ve been away in the war. I’ve seen my long time friend Adam Thomas. He thinks this is going to be the most violent war he’s ever seen because many of the soldiers believe that they might as well go ahead and take maters into their own hands. You and the children have to stay strong and stick together. I will make it out of the war so tell them I’m going to be alright . I’m going to be home in about four months so please tell every one the news. I love you hope to see you soon. Tell everyone I live them also. Sincerely, Adam L. Jackson
Dear Diary,
I am a 16 year old white man that was born in Louisiana. I am for the confederate and now that the war started I think it should continue. I am excited to become a soldier, because I am fighting to keep slavery, which I believe in. Today more of our people have been killed. I was wearing our gray buttoned uniform, and was eating some bread. I was carrying a rifle.
So much have happened in the past two years. I have seen so many people die. I was in many battles, and have been wounded and shot many times, where there was lots of blood involved.
This war has made my life very difficult. For example, I have to see a lot of people pass away. I have to worry about dieing everyday. I have to starve some of the time.
Now that the country has been in war for the past two years, I believe that we can still win, and we should continue. My feelings have been changing since my first journal and I am scared of how it’s going to continue.
The war is over, and I am unsatisfied. We have been so confident, and we had still lost the war. I have learned that you shouldn’t be so confident of winning all the time.
From
Marshal Fob.
Jonathan Law. Second period
So much happened in the past two years. I have lost a best friend. The war is scary. This war has made my life very difficult. For example, it makes us scared for the war everyday. I listen the music is banjo. Now that the country has been at war for two years. I believe I will not to scare the war anymore. I have a war feeling since my first journal entry.
So much happened in the past two years. I have lost a best friend. The war is scary. This war has made my life very difficult. For example, it makes us scared for the war everyday. I listen the music is banjo. Now that the country has been at war for two years. I believe I will not to scare the war anymore. I have a war feeling since my first journal entry.
suhan koh
2nd period
Simon Pan
Let me describe myself, I am Peter Pan, a White Union Soldier. I am ranked as a Private, and I am from 32 Illinois Infantry. My usual cards are bluecoats and I use a 1861 Rifle Musket. My life is pretty much playing dominoes, cards, and do a lot of drills. I sleep in a rectangular piece of canvas buttoned to another to form a small two-man tent or a so called “dog tent.”
I usually eat a lot of meat and bread, salted pork, and fresh beef, rice, peas, beans, dried fruit, potatoes, molasses, vinegar, and salt. I worry about a lot of diseases like camp fever, consumption, diphtheria, dropsy, dysentery pleuritis, rheumatic fever, rheumatism, ruebeola, scropfula, and scurvy.
I think slavery is wrong because people shouldn’t make people do stuff for them, it is wrong and not needed. I think the war was necessary because not north or south wouldn’t have stopped and if one fought, the other would fight them also. My kind of music had guitars, banjos, flutes, and harmonicas. Popular tunes were Lorena, The Bonnie Blue Flag, The Battle Cry of Freedom, Tenting On the Old Campground, My Old Kentucky Home, The Arkansas Traveler, and Dixie. I have been in a battle and I was wounded by a bullet in my left hand which is my main hand. One of my really good friend was also in the battle. He was suddenly shot and killed right in front of me and I will never forget that moment.
This war has made my life very difficult. For example, I don’t even have enough to eat. My hardships are even staying alive, watching for the south, and even staying awake. Everyone gets the same amount of food and it still isn’t enough for us. At least there are some entertainments to help pass the time. For example, I like to listen to music, play dominoes, and hang with my old buddies.
The war is over, and I am glad I lived, I’m very happy and proud that we won the war. My brother died in the war and I loved him dearly, but I just keep on going. Now I am hopeful that there won’t be any more wars. Hopefully, the U.S. will be united and stay as one.
Dear Journal,
Being a nurse in the civil war is hard work. You have to be totally prepared for the worst. One time, a guy came into the truck with two broken legs and blood was coming out of his mouth! I know, disgusting! Oh dear! A patient just walked in.
anonymous,
dear diary,
let me speak a little bit about myself. im kash johnson of georgia i am 20 year old aferican american man. im happy that i joined & started in the union war. i will fight for whats right & not for the wrong, slavery is not good at all.
Today i woke up, i threw on my unifrom which was, tight at the bottom jeans, long loose shirts. high top boots. that go to our knees.
At night i slept in a bongolo with a another soldier, he was like a brother to me. we never gave eachother any problems. it was cold at nights in the bongolo, we diddent have alot of blankets. & we slept on a cott bed.
Food was somewhat nasty. i did not enjoy it. because, some nights we had cooked donkey, it may have sounded okay? but, it wasent. the donkeys were old, & sick. & we had to eat them or nothing. so somenights i went to bed hungry. or we ran out of food, & there wasent enough for everyone.
I was worried always, night&day. anyone could attack us. so i always need to have my back watched.
1865
Dear Diary,
I'm now a underground railroad helper, I wait for Harriet to bring fugitives to my cabin. Everyday I make sure I have enough food to cook, and be able to feed a mob of hungry fugitives. But I must be careful, or they'll suspect something. They will kill me if they found out I care for the fugitives. I wonder when Harriet will come, she hasn't come back within a month now. Is she in trouble? Oh dear merciful heavens, what have become of dear Harriet right now? May God guide us all through.
Anna Bell Jenkins
JOEY IP 5TH PERIOD
Dear Diary,
Today my friend almost died because he got shot and almost bled to death….it was really a sad moment because I called for a nurse but they didn’t hear me, so I had to carry him all the way across the battle field, I got shot in the arm but I managed to hold on till I got to the hospital.
I got a splint and couldn’t shoot my rifle, but I could use my pistol. I killed at least 10 people before I got shot in my other arm. The general put me out because I got messed up arms. Two months later my arms got better and I could shoot again, so I got back in the battle field. When I just ran in the battle field, all of a sudden I got shot in my leg and I fell down. A few minutes later a whole group of confederates came over to capture me, I took out my grenade and killed all those confederates coming after me. Then for the rest of the day I was in bed because of my messed up leg.
Andrew Dick
Fifteenth of April 1861
Dear Roger,
Being a nurse has been really hard. I can’t stand the look on the soldiers faces right before they die. One of the soldiers even told me to tell their wives that they love them. It’s getting really hard. Ever since little Clarence died last week, I’ve been crying every night. I don’t want to lose another son. The food is disgusting. Hardtack never tasted so bad. The tents are very cold, damp, and lonely. The only things that keep me going through each day, is you. Another thing, is knowing that I’m helping all of these other people. Yesterday, there were a few soldiers who were in very critical condition. Two of them died of Erysipelas and the other one died of Variola. This war is being taken too far, and people are too hard-headed to even care how this horrid war is effecting us. Please tell Ma that I said hi. Once, this war is over we’ll all be a happy family again. I love you.
Naomi Hayes
Ashley Jacala 5 period
Dear diary,
I now work as a nurse and take care of wounded people. It’s very busy. I thought it was easy but now it’s hard and lots of work to do. It’s hard to help soldier day and night. First I was working at home, taking care of my husband Fredrick and my kids Adrian and Kate. Now that the war is almost over I’m glad that my husband is coming back. I can’t wait to see him. Hope he comes safe.
Sincerely,
Susan Cox
dear diary
this is andrew russell and alex j. buchanan we love to kill people in the war the payment was low but we survived it was a tragity losing all our soilders but we won the war and we are bruised but we lived a good life but even no we was away from our family we would talk some times but we steal think obout our family's.
April 14, 1861
My cabin is cold and empty. My husband, Charles, have already left for the war. I miss him dearly. I’m waiting for Harriet and the fugitives to come. I figure if my husband is helping the Union with the war, I should contribute something too. So I’ve decided to become a Underground Railroad helper. Harriet informed me that she was to come in a few days from now. I must harvest enough crops to feed those poor souls. I wonder how my husbands doing right now. He’s ranked a Cavalry, wonder what that is… Oh dear, I wonder if he’s use to all the blood and dirt? He was always a “clean freak”. Dear God, I’m so frightened that he might get hurt! And hopefully Harriet will guide the fugitives safely to my cabin. Merciful heavens, protect them all for all harm….
Anna Bell Jenkins
Joey Ip 5th period
Dear Diary,
Let me describe myself.I am happy but also worried about my husband. I am Mary Curry and now am 26 and my husband is in the war right now. I am a white women and I am 26years old. I live in Atlanta, GA. I support the union. Now that the war began, I beleive we will win the war. I think the war couldn't be avioded. Slavery is a bad thing
and i hope there will be no more in the future. Today I cleaned the house, feed the animals, read, make dinner for my family that isn't in the war. I wore a beautiful green dress today. I ate meat and veggies. I sleep on my bed.
Dear Diary,
It is now the middle of the war. So much has happened in the past two years. I have been very worried about my husband. I live my life very happy every day because within these two years i heard alot on the war and that my husband hasn't died yet. I stay home and clean it. I was thinking about becoming a spy but then if I got cought I wouldn't be able to see my husband. This war has made my life very difficult. For example my family is running out of meat to eat and we have alittle money left. I eat only 2 meals a day and a few snacks. I worry if my husband come back home safe and sound after the war. At least there are some amusements to help me pass the time. For example, I like to read books, make food, play with my kids, make new clothing,and garden. I like to listen to all kinds of music.
I play bored games with my friends and my kids. Now that the country has benn at war for two years, i believe the war will soon end and i will be able to see my husband.
Dear Journal,
May 1, 1861
I am a white union soldier in Massachusetts. My name is Mon La. My birthday will be on May 25, but by then I’ll be on the battlefield.
I don’t think the war could have been avoided because the South refused all compromises. Now that the war has begun, I believe we must fight until slavery is gone. Slavery is wrong so we must stand together and end it.
I am excited to help end slavery. Today I got ready for leaving for the battlefield. I got my clothes, tent, supplies, and weapons. The people from Harpers Ferry, Virginia gave me a Spencer Carbine, 44 Remington Revolver, and a knife.
Dear Journal,
May 25, 1863
So much has happened in the past two years. I have been injured by a gun, but now I’m better. The battles are intense and scary; you never know where an enemy will hide.
The war has made life difficult; I cannot sleep in peace fearing an enemy attack. Supplies are also low, I don’t get enough food, and there is not enough ammunition. I can’t just shoot randomly or else I’ll run out of bullets. I don’t know about the South, but the North is about to run out of supplies. I fear that the friends I made in this war are not going to make it.
The war is scary, but we soldiers can still have some fun. When it’s not our turn to patrol the battlefield, we play cards. Some games we play are Poker (mainly), Blackjack, or Go Fish.
Now that the country has been at war for two years, I believe I should end soon. My mind is still not changed, they started the war and we end it.
Dear Journal,
May 26, 1865
The war is over, and I am very pleased. There is no more slavery in the United States, which is once united again. Although I am happy the war is over, my friends from the war John Gary and Andrew Dick did not make it through. We were on a mission together to take over a base, and they got shot. Their death was not in vain, it helped end slavery so no one should be sad.
Now I am hopeful that slavery has ended and I hope it will never come back. I believe that no man can own another man. This war has taught me that a country cannot just break up and go to war. Once a country always a country.
Anthony Giang 5°
-April Fourteenth, 1861.
Dear Diary,
Ever since I had this I haven't written in it one bit, so I'll describe myself as much as I can. I am Amelia Rainey, a 17 year old girl, living with my mother, my little sister and my little brother. It's now 8:35 in the evening, and I have no more chores to do. My mother and the children are out in the living room in front of the fireplace. I don't find it very amusing anymore-- without my father, that is. Ever since the war began, I've been very secretive about how I'm feeling. My mother keeps telling me that he'll come back, safe and sound. I don't believe it one bit.
-June Thirteenth, 1861.
Dear Diary,
Today is my 18th birthday, and I can't wait what my mother planned for me. My father is still at war, but I know for sure he hasn't forgotten about me. I wonder how he's doing. I remembered, every time it was my birthday, he would take me out, walk around the field and talk until dusk. Well, I guess it's time for me to celebrate. Bye.
-July Twenty Second, 1861.
Dear Diary,
The mail came in today. I got a letter from my father. I was surprised when I read it:
"Dear Amelia,
Happy 18th birthday. I'm sorry I couldn't be there to celebrate with you on your day. I've missed you so much ever since I left for this place. Everything seems so cold and empty without my family’s love. I hope one day that I’ll return to the house and everything will be okay. I miss all of you—little Jessa, and little Ryan, your mother Shermaine. Especially you, Amelia. I’m sorry we didn’t have that talk on your birthday, considering the fact that I wasn’t there. Anyways, I have to go. It’s time for us to pack up and leave to the next base. I hope I’ll see you guys soon. Tell everyone I love and miss them.
Love,
Your father, Adrian Rainey.”
It was hard for me to read this letter, because there were tears coming down my face. I showed it to my mother, who was also crying. I’ll write back as soon as I can.
-April Thirteenth, 1865.
Dear Diary,
I can’t believe it’s been about 4 years since my last entry. The war is over, and I can’t believe it. My father never returned. He had sent a couple more letters to us, saying that he was wounded in battle. I literally cried my heart out. My mother especially was so upset. She had just lost her only love, and I just can’t imagine what she’s going to do now. I just hope we could get through all of it together. The whole week, everyone on the street had come up to us and said that they’re sorry. My mother was silent at this. I wonder why my father was chosen to go to war anyways. So many questions I wanted to ask my father, so many questions left unanswered.
*Audrey Galimba, Fifth Period =)
April 29, 1981
Dear Diary,
This is my first journal entry as a soldier. Let me describe myself. I am Francisco Reyes, a soldier supporting the Union. I am twenty-six years old from South Carolina. I think slavery is not necessary and we must win the war to stop it. I believe every soldier has to do what he can for this war. Currently, I am a private. I might be scared, but I be came a soldier to fight for my county.
Today I am preparing for the war. I have met other soldiers and noticed they were just as scared as I was. It’s going to be difficult for me to get used to the military, but I must work hard. I want to be useful. My uniform is made out of wool and is then dyed blue. I take pride in my uniform. I live in tents with other soldiers. It’s the only think I have to sleep. No one likes sleeping in tents but this is the life of a soldier. When I am not preparing for war, I play cards and other games. It’s the only thing to do to pass the time. It’s usually very boring. Some of the foods I eat are plain biscuits, fresh beef, dried fruits, peas and other things. I am very worried and scared about what might happen in the battlefield. I am scared to die, but I can’t be thinking about that right now. I have to do what I can.
May 28, 1983
Dear Diary,
This is my second journal entry. It has been a long time. So much has happened in the past two years. I have grown stronger and wiser about the battlefield. I am glad to be still alive and fighting. I remember my first time fighting in battle. I looked at other soldiers fighting for their lives. It was very harsh and bloody, but I didn’t hesitate to shoot someone with my rifle musket. I got wounded on my right arm, but it was not that serious. I can still use it. This war has made my life very difficult. For example, I miss my family. I still write to them whenever I can. I want to see them and hug them. I have to keep this dream if I want to be alive. I can’t die yet without seeing my family. I have just enough to eat to restore my energy. Every soldier has to share his food. You can’t be greedy. There are a lot of hardships being a soldier. To be one, you have to give up a lot of things. You can’t see your family, risking your life, and getting hurt. Sometimes, there are shortages in food and water. At least there are some amusements to help pass the time, like music and checkers. Now that the country has been at war for two years, I believe we have to keep on going. We can’t stop now, there’s no turning back. My feelings are still the same since my last journal entry.
May 30, 1865
Dear Diary,
The war is finally over and I am happy to still be alive. I’m very happy that this long war is over. All the hardships I have to face are gone. Most of my friends have died, but they died in honor. They did the best that they could and now they can rest in peace. Now I am hopeful that everything is going to be back to normal. I can finally see my family. I wonder how they have changed. I’m now going to live my life happily with my family. I am happy that I experienced the war. I think now the United States can finally become one united country again. This war has taught me that you have to fight for what you believe in. you can’t lose hope. You have keep on fighting until the very end. None of my opinions and feelings have changed. Slavery is over. Now the future generation don’t have to face slavery anymore.
Ryan Tom 5th period
Dear Dairy,
Today was an amazing day! It all started when I was playing checker in the morning before I ate my breakfast. I won all 16 rounds and got a checker award from the general. All my friends try to steal my golden checker award. My friend Billy actually stole my award and ran away, but I shot him in the head. Not soon after I ate my breakfast something amazing happen to me. I found passage to the Confederate Hide Out. I told my captain and we immediately follow the passage.
This part of my life was dangerous, there was wires connected to bombs everywhere and hundreds of Union Soldier died. There were about 350 soldiers left, but we didn’t give up. We follow all the way to the end of the passage and found thousands of Confederate sleeping and we decided to stab them to death. We killed about 500 soldiers and then some guy woke up and started shooting. Everyone woke up and we died.
,Frank _____
P.S. This letter might seem weird since it came from a dead guy, but it’s not true. My name is Jackson Michael. I was your son’s best friend and I hope your family will understand that he is dead.
Dear Mother,
This is your son Chewy. I am in the army now. I am a private in the union army. I have my own gun and uniform. We have just begun the civil war to stop slavery.
There are bad living conditions out here. We have to sleep in a dirty tent every night in the cold. We don’t get enough to eat around here. We barely get anything around here. I carry around a musket rifle where ever I go.
When I am not at war I have chores to do around camp. Sometimes I have to dump the trash and do other things.
Today I was wounded in battle. I was running through the field and I got shot. My friend came and saved my life. Then I was helped back to camp by my fellow soldiers by the two joses. The doctor took a look at my wounds and said I will be injured for a while.
I hope that the war is over in a while because I want slavery to end. Maybe when the war is over I will be treated fairly.
Gonzalez was shot in the knee cap and Barajas got shot in the elbow. They will be fine.
From
Big Daddy
Dear journal,
Today my best friend died at the age of 18. I am 19 and my birthday is Febuary 29 so I really cant celebrate every year. My name is Javaier Villenuave the 3rd. My best friend's name is Mark Johnson the second. He died in gunfire. I tried to drag him out but he blew up from a gernade. We had to retreat to saftey so none of us will die. Right now im getting stiched up because I cut myself from a rusty barb wire. Its infected right now but I will be okay. Many people died that I used to play baseball with. I still have my friends that I went to school with. Chewy,Jose B,AND Jose G. I will never forget this day.
From Javaier Villenuave the 3rd
5th period
Gary Huang 5th period
Dear Journal,
Day 1 May 10, 1864
My name is John Gary and I am a Union soldier. I am an African American man who was born in a small city in Massachusetts. Before the Civil War began, I was a slave in the South. When I heard that the North was attacked at Fort Sumter by the South, the Civil War began. I then decided to escape to the North to serve in the union army. I believe that if the union won, slavery would be abolished. No one deserves to be a slave; even the terrible slave masters and southerners don’t deserve to be a slave.
Anyways, President Lincoln has commanded all union forces to Ulysses S. Grant. Since I have the position of artillery, I will defend the main camp with my comrades. The weapons I’ll be using are a rifle, a Lemat revolver, and a survival knife. I fear that my life might end while I’m defending, so I need to put all my fears to the side and fight for something I believe in.
8 hours later....
Oh my god…. This battle field is now filled with bodies. My comrades have been injured when the enemy attacked the main camp. First they rushed in our base with rifles and started shooting at everyone in sight. Most of our troops were killed or injured in this attack. The remaining enemy troops took over the base. The other remained allied troops retreated to another allied base and regrouped there.
Day 2 May 11, 1864
It has now been 24 hours since the takeover. We have lost many of our men but we still have our Fighting Spirit. We are now planning to take back our base with some more troops. We will not lose to our enemies that took over our base.
4 Hours later…
Success!! We have taken back our base from the enemy and found tons of rations. Now the enemy is nowhere to be seen and we can rest for now.
Day 10 May 21, 1864
I have now witness the true horrors of the battlefield. First my new friend Mon La has been obliterated in a bomb attack….may he rest in peace. Then my comrades and I have been shot in an ambush on our way to sneak into Confederate territory. Many of the Union soldiers have been killed or injured and I am one of them. We then retaliated by attacking the Confederate when their guards were down when they were sleeping. I hope this all ends soon…..
Day 370 May 26 1865
This brutal war is finally over! My dreams have now become reality because the Union army has triumphed over the Confederate army. Slavery was now over and I hope that the end of this war will bring America back together as one country. I also hope that this will be a new era of peace where everyone will be happy together….
Twenty-third of December 1861
Dear Roger,
My dear lord, you would have never known what happened yesterday. Our general and lieutenant were captured by the Union. How are we going to go on like this? The soldiers been really confused and don’t know what to do. More than half of the soldiers got injured and that gave us a really hard time. My uniform is dirty and stained with different soldiers blood. One of the nurses tried to save their father, but he died in her arms. I felt so bad, because I was trying to help her but he was wounded really bad. I am so exhausted. Today they ran out of food. I only had a few slices of corn bread to eat. Now I don’t have a permanent place to stay, because they move me almost every night. I’ve been feeling so stressed and alone. I really miss you. Take good care of Andrew and tell him that mommy will be home soon. Love you.
Sincerely,
Naomi Hayes
dear journal,
Me and Gonzalez were in the battlefield shooting and sipping coffee,when one of my friends got shot in the head.Then we took him to the nurse,he had a helmet but the bullet went through it luckily the bullet got slow.He was screaming in pain all day and no one could sleep because the screams were so loud.The next morning he died.We were starving because we didnt eat enough.All we ate is food every other day.Then we met Chewy and his leg blew off and there was not enough stiches but he survived.Me,Gonzalez,and Villenueva used a gatling gun then Gonzalez got shot in the kneecap by a snipe-rifle.Then Villenueva got scared then he slipped and got cut by rusty barbwire.2 days later I got shot in the elbow during battle.That same day Villunueva recovered and Gonzalez recovered 3 days later.I recovered 6 days after.Chewy recovered 2 days after me.Then we fought together.
Dear diary,
My name is Mary chestnut,and I am part of the civil war women.I am white and marry beloved husband.I started my first diary about how they have the slave and when the war has started.I been writting to my husband about his time in the war.Since I am a women and I have to stay at home I cannot do others things to help my husband.As a house wife I need to do what a wife suppose to do.I hope my husband do not have to go to war but because of that I have no choice but to let him go.But luckily my husband survive from the war,and I was very happy with that.When I marry my husband I was just 24years old.At first I don't like him but we get along afterward.We have no slave to help us with our land so I have to do everything myself at home.we cannot afford to have slave all we could do is make enough for us to eat.
The next day I got a letter from husband,and he said"It must be hard for you to stay at home and do the stuff to make enough for our kids and you to eat."It is very dangerous at this time at war cause people are dying of brain damage and we get shot by the other soldier crew and we need more soldier for the war.
I have trouble on the field and I cannot finish everything in one day and it is very hard for,so I hire my neighbors so she could help me with my work.I pay her one dollar per day and she very happy with the payment that I payed her.
When we are bored we played hide and go seek.We always listen to Banjo our favorite instrument.My husband have to train for the war and it is very tough.I wish he could come home earlier.
My neighbor told me that alot of people died from the war and I also that alot of people got injured.I was scared so I decide to go to my husband to see if he got hurt.When night comes in I started to pack my stuff so I could get ready to go to my husband.I don't want to children here but I have to so I could go see me husband.So I decided to leave then to the neighbors to take care of them till I comes back.
When I got to the war place I see's my husband and he is find and I was please with that and at the same time the war is over and we finally we could have peace again.
Dear Mother,
I apologize for writing so late. How have you been? The work that I have been doing have made my time delayed. After leaving home, I settled in Michigan…and even began fighting for the U.S Union, in the Civil War. I became a disguised male nurse, Frank Thompson, and later a spy.
During my experience from being a nurse, I experienced many incidents in which I saw dying soldiers pleading for me to bring packages to their family. I experienced the worse, such as a soldier asking for my help to open his locket, to see the final glimpse of the woman he loved. He died in my hands. It was truly a sad incident, and I know there was more to come. I spend most of my days giving food and water to the injured soldiers in the hospital tends. Their food consists of bacon, salt pork, bread, or anything we could get from farmer fields. I ate what was available and cared for the brave heroes. However, I seek more in helping our country.
Mother, I applied for the job of being a spy. It was full of different missions. I went on total of eleven missions, all which were luckily successful. My missions consist of bringing food to sick soldiers, finding confederate spies, finding the information that the generals needed and more. Often, after my missions, I would return to being a nurse. However, after the eleventh mission, I got the disease malaria. I had to ditch my cover to receive the proper care in the hospital. Afterward, I got cured.
Oh, and mother, I fell in love. His name is Linus Seeyle. We have a great marriage, and 3 wonderful sons. The congress also gives me twelve dollars a month, a gratitude for my help, they say. The family and I are planning to see the whole family soon. I’m sorry if I worried you, during the time when I was gone. Everything happened so fast, that there wasn’t time to write a single letter to you. I miss you mother, but glad that the time will be soon when we reunite.
With love, Sarah Emma Edmonds Seeyle
[Teresa Tang 6th period]
Dear Mother,
It’s me, Clara Barton, your lovely daughter. It’s been a long time since I haven’t spoke to you. I miss you and everyone else. I wish that I was still in Massachusetts with you guys right now. I’m currently teaching at a school right now, yes, I know, I’m only 15. This is going well. Hope I can come home and visit you guys.
Wow. Today is my first day as a nurse. I’m so exited. I’ve been trained now. It’s been 3 weeks now. The hospitals are small. There are so many injured soldiers. I feel so sorry for them. I have enough to eat. The war made my life very difficult because of nursing so many soldiers. The soldiers bleed so much and it makes me feel disgusted a bit. I have to travel with army ambulances to help save the soldiers. I just don’t get it, why do they have to have wars?
I’m living in Washington D.C right now. It’s been nice. I’m actually advertising for donations in the Worcester, Massachusetts, Spy. I’m also working at the U.S Patent Office. I can’t believe that I’m the founder of the American Red Cross. It’s nice isn’t it?
Oh, Mother, did I tell you? It’s been 3 months from now, I met this young men and he seems really nice. I think I like him, but I don’t want to make it obvious to show that I like him. What should I do? Any advices? If you do, please tell me, thanks!
Mother, I really miss you guys! I have something really important to let you all know. I have this disease and I don’t think I would be living for long. I’m sorry if I won’t make it in time to see you guys. You know that I really love you guys and I never wanted to leave. I’m going to retire and my home is at Glen Echo. If you guys can come and visit me, you guys are welcomed. Well, I have to go now. I really hope that I can get cured by time and go see you guys soon!
Yours Truly,
Clara Harlowe Barton
[By Tiffany Kwok 6th period]
6/23/1861
Dear journal,
1 day I got new uniforms and a rifle .I live in Louisiana and I miss my wife and kids bro. new soldiers came to our city to fight for independence. Now we are on the train to the front lines and I am scare to die. When we saw the place it was bloody.
6/25/1863
Dear journal,
When we were at the place I saw people on the floor dead. I got scare and start running around like a punk. I saw enemies with rifles and people with bombs . I shoot him in the head and I was so sad because I kill a human bean but is a war so I have to do it.
3/29/1865
My people got kill with bombs and the whole city was burned down. I feel bad because my people were killed.. I got super mad and shoot the enemies with my rifle. I got kill by people and die.That was the best day of my life
April 14, 1862
Dear Mother,
I am currently in Nebraska being a nurse in the hospital. It’s a small hospital but it’s bigger than the one in Washington D.C. I am currently helping patients that got hurt from the war. I also applied for being the nurse in the U.S. Army, hopefully I will get accepted. I know you don’t like me working in the U.S. army but I really want to help the war in any way. Please mother, let me be apart of the war, I want to do my part. I hope you agree and know how I feel as a young adult during the war.
I am really worried about Father and Older Brother. I hope they are okay. Did you get any letters from them? How are you? How have you been? How is it in Washington D.C.? Is grandma okay? Remember to write to me if anything happens. I am doing fine here. It’s great, I made a lot of new friends in the hospital and a lot of them applied with me.
Mother, has the war affected anything in Washington D.C.? Did any relatives get hurt? How is John? Is he still in war? Did he send any letters back home? I hope you’re fine and healthy.
I am also volunteering in the young adults nursing school. I am teaching young girls how to nurse so they can help us out too. I heard there is a young adult nursing school in Washington D.C. too. Have you been there? Which hospital are you working in now? How are your patients?
I currently live in a little house in the corner of the hospital with a few friends, we all pay for the rent and we save the extra money for food and supplies. We take turns cleaning and cooking in the house. I finally know how you feel, when I was young and you did all the chores. After the chores, I always feel tired and helpless. It just makes me want to relax on the couch but of course, I have work too so I can’t.
I almost forgot to tell you that I saw Antonio the other day, he’s helping out in the hospital. It’s great seeing an old friend but he said he has to go back to war in May. Oh and also, Happy Early Birthday mom! It’s going to be the first year since I was born that I can’t celebrate with you. I hope you the best wishes and they come true.
I can’t wait until the war is over so I can go back home and see you and father and big brother will be back! I miss them so much. I really miss you too and the food you make. It always makes me homesick when I eat something that reminds me of you. I love you mom.
Love,
Elizabeth Gibson
Kelly Lee 6th Period.
Let me describe myself. My name is Cyrus B. Sergeant. i am a young man at the age of 14. i was born in Pennsylvania. now the the war has begun, i believe there will be much unnecessary bloodshed. Slavery seems wrong to me. Being asoldier is scary, yet at the same time, exciting. Today we ran drills again as always. I out on my uniform. Today we ate some salted pork. The rationswe have arent much to select from. We sleep in tents. I always carry my rifle around. You never know when you might need it. Many things have happened through these long hard years. I've been injured quite a few times. Many people I knew are now dead. There's not much to do here at camp. Lately, many people have been dying from sicknesses. I just hope this war dies down soon.
Ryan Fortu 6 period
4-18-1862
Dear mom,
It has been 2 weeks since I left n I already miss you. I think about you every day. I am scared to die. I can’t believe I have to fight in the war, but I promise I will return safely.
-Morando
3-21-1863
Dear mom,
I almost got shot, but my friend risked his life for me. I got mad and I think I’m starting to go crazy from seeing all my people die. I can’t believe I have to see all this for this stupid war.
-Morando
3-8-1865
The war is getting better, because we are winning, and all the slaves are being freed. Maybe this has been worth it after all. I will see you soon.
-Morando
Civil war essay
My nation is currently in crisis. Our nation has fallen apart both the south and the north have been in war for a year now. The war was about Slavery a tragic event that’s been going on for century now. I myself think that slavery is wrong that is why I am in the war right now I want to fight for my own right. I am from Arkansas cavalry. I am a African American. I am a man. The condition of this war is very unpredictable no one knows who is going to win. Many has been killed no solutions have been solved. I am feeling that this war is pointless and that we will all die in the end with no victory.
The conditions inside the military camps are harsh. We have to sleep in tents. Eat oatmeal, onions, hard tack, coffee. Although the foods aren’t that good it is better then nothing it will keep me alive. The uniforms that we wore are colorful. There have been many training sessions we are frightened every moment wondering what will happen next. In the end I think it is worth it to free all the people that are enslaved in this world.
There are varieties of different kind of people in this war. Everyone with their own beliefs. There are whites, blacks. Free, slaved. Sometime I can’t even tell who is who. I hope after all this war is over the madness of enslaving others will be eradicated.
-Aaron Li
Dear Diary,
Hello my name is Chan, Ferdinand I am currently 29 years old. I live in Missouri. I was on the side of the Union,and I am a infantry.My regiment name was a 4th regiment. When I was in Missouri I was handed a rifle and a sword.it is going to be hard for me to get used to being in the militarty.When I was sent out to do a mission I was shot but I was still living.After when they took me to the hospital I had to go to the emergency room to get my bullet token out of my chest.Three months later when I healed from the gun shot I was sent back to the military to finish my mission’s.After all the war’s we had with the confederacy we finally won!But our last battle with the confederacy we lost and I also go killed by a grenade that was coming in and I didn’t see it.So this is the end of my diary.
Sincerely,
Ferdinand Chan
Let me describe myself as Cyrus B. Sergeant. I am a white man fighting for the union. I am 13 years old, and came from Pennsylvania. Now that the war has begun, I have been fighting alongside with many different people. I think the war could have been avoided if the other people would have just gave up the slaves. I am scared when the war, but kind of excited because I get to become more like a man. Today I was in war and I got shot, but I am still okay, because I got shot in the arm. I was scared I was going to die, but a nurse helped me. So much has happened in the last to years. I got shot, I got sick, and some of my friends died. The war is now over, and I am very happy. I am very grateful we survived, and that we won. Now I am hopeful that our country would be war free. The war has taught me that war is very bloody and that is not a good thing.
Jeric Lazo 6 period
Dear Diary,
Hello diary a lot has happened since the last I’ve wrote in you. I’m in the war...I wish I could go back home to mom and dad and my little sisters. I miss them so much, but at leased they don’t have to go through this. This war started in 1861, and it’s already 1863 and I just want it to end already. I haven’t gotten any injuries I haven’t even gotten into the battle field; thank god. Nevertheless I still don’t want to be here, I see wounded soldiers everyday. Legs blown off, some burned, and some so bloody I can’t describe. The food isn’t bad once you get used to it. You don’t get many varieties, one week all you get is beef, then the next week we’ll only get bread. My uniform isn’t that bad better than the Confederates, id rather wear the Unions uniform than the there’s. Have to go now going to start training really soon. Wish me luck in this war.
dear journal,
Me and Gonzalez were in the battlefield shooting and sipping coffee,when one of my friends got shot in the head.Then we took him to the nurse,he had a helmet but the bullet went through it luckily the bullet got slow.He was screaming in pain all day and no one could sleep because the screams were so loud.The next morning he died.We were starving because we didnt eat enough.All we ate is food every other day.Then we met Chewy and his leg blew off and there was not enough stiches but he survived.Me,Gonzalez,and Villenueva used a gatling gun then Gonzalez got shot in the kneecap by a snipe-rifle.Then Villenueva got scared then he slipped and got cut by rusty barbwire.2 days later I got shot in the elbow during battle.That same day Villunueva recovered and Gonzalez recovered 3 days later.I recovered 6 days after.Chewy recovered 2 days after me.Then we fought together.
April 21, 1861
Dear Journal,
Let me introduce myself. I am Rachel Cormany and I am a white civil war woman. A war has begun between the North and South. I live in Pennsylvania with my husband’s parents and my daughter, Mary Cora. My husband’s name is Samuel and he is a Union soldier. I was born in Canada in 1836, making me 24 years of age. I support the Union because I think slavery is wrong to the slaves who are treated badly. Now that the war has begun, I believe it will be very violent and bloody. I think it could have been avoided in the North and South talked it out in a more orderly manner. I fear my husband, Samuel, will die in the war and my daughter and I will never see him again.
May 6, 1861
Dear Journal,
Today I went to church with Mary Cora. We dressed in our best floral dresses and shoes. After, we went to the store to pick up some bread, beans and potatoes for dinner. Mary Cora and I were starting to get sick of rice and molasses. After dinner, Mary Cora and Samuel’s parents, Bill and Sarah, immediately fell asleep. They must have been really tired. I stayed up to read a letter Samuel sent me. I’m glad to hear from him and know he’s okay. He told me not to worry about him and everything is okay.
November 21, 1863
Dear Journal,
So much has happened in the past two years. I haven’t seen my husband in forever. Samuel is still in the war. I thought he would be home by now and the war would have ended. The war has made my life difficult. For example, some of my childhood friends have been wounded or died in the war. Also, I haven’t heard from Samuel in months. I’m worried that he’s hurt. At least there’s some amusement to pass the time. For example, I like to cook and listen to music and Mary Cora loves to play cards. My favorite songs are the patriotic war songs. Now that the country has been at war for two years, I believe it will end soon, at least I hope.
April 9, 1865
Dear Journal,
The war has finally ended! I am so happy that Samuel will come home. Even though fighting is not the answer to a problem, I am still glad the Union won! I hope to see everyone treated equally, no matter what their skin color is. Hopefully my family will grow up in equality. Hopefully, this war was worth fighting for. I think it is.
Rowena Guo 7th Period
Dominic Faletusi A.K.A DAMO
Dear Journal,
July 16,1862
My name is Felipe Rivera I was in the civil war. I was in the war for 2 years. I am 21 years old. I am from California native cavalry. I was on the union side fighting for no more slavery. What we did lately when we had free time I will play dominoes and cards. What I ate in the mean time in the war was pork, beef, bread, and beans. We listened to yellow rose of Texas and some of the cruel war. I was never wounded in the battle. The hospitals had lots of diseases and dying people. Also most of the doctors didn’t washed their hands. One of my cousins had died in the Getty’s Burg war. Well during when we didn’t fight we slept in tents. Also I thought slavery was wrong because every body should have their own equal rights. My daily life was hard because I had to see people die. What I carried with me during the war was a rifle, shot gun, hand gun, sword, and bombs. After the war I will get my edumacation. And I am still living from this day in 2008.
Sincerely,felipe river
April 12, 1861
Dear Journal,
In case anybody finds this and I did not survive the civil war, my name is Alexander Whitney. I have a beautiful wife and a god blessed daughter. I am a white soldier fighting for the north, which makes me a union soldier. You may think I’m in my mid thirties, but I’m only 18 years old. Ever since the war has started, I think, no, I KNOW the north will overpower the south & slavery. I originated from Philadelphia, where my family is living right now. I’m a private soldier and proud that I am in the union army.
Alexander Whitney
January 16, 1863
Dear Journal,
My body is sore and aching from the drills again. The drum call woke me at 5am, as usual.. The lieutenant was completely annoying, conceited, bossy, and arrogant to Privates today. My rifled cannon backfired on my during the drills, which made my face covered in black soot. My blue, cotton uniform got mud on itself again. My infantry members decided to have a potluck with our dinner. I ate overcooked salt pork drizzled with hardtack (that nasty stale cracker), rice, peas, and a nice mug.. well tin foil cup of coffee. The dog tent had a rip on it all night long, so it was freezing COLD. I couldn’t sleep because of my partner’s snoring too. The captain had told us to watch for the confederate raids, which constantly happened lately. I think we’re going to battle tomorrow, so this might be my last letter if I do not survive.
May 26, 1865
Dear Journal,
We kicked some southern butt today. The war had ended, we northerners had won. The confederates had surrendered to us. They might as well, since their economics weren’t doing well as a separated nation. My best friend Nick Jones had been wounded by a confederate anonymous soldier. The doctor said he will survive but he cannot use his left hand anymore. Good thing, he’s a right handy. My wife Nichole was so happy to see me today, although she did say I reeked of coffee. I know that this war could not have been avoided, because the south would keep having slaves if we did not take control. Those confederates, in my opinion, are losers, stealers, and drunks. This war had taught me that anybody can do anything as long as they try their best. A couple of companions I have made during this war had died from pneumonia, typhoid, and dysentery. They had never fired a shot in the war because of their sickness. I finally got to eat some good home cooking by my wife and daughter. My daughter Chloe had grown to 5 years old this very day.
This REPORT has been found by Whitney Li. ;D
And made by Whitney Li ;]
May 5, 1863
Dear diary,
This is Christopher Ching talking about me. I am a white private union solider from Wisconsin. I am 14 years old. I wear a dark blue uniform and black boots. My favorite weapon is the musket because that’s the only weapon I have. I usually eat something called hard tack or something like that and I drank flavorless coffee and water. Every day when I wake up for the war I was tired because I slept in a tent which was very uncomfortable. The reason why I am in the war because I think it is wrong. I think that the war was necessary because if we don’t fight them slavery won’t end. The war was so bad I got wounded almost every month luckily I am here right now typing this. I got shot in the leg like 5 times and I got slapped by a horse shoe. One of my best friends died in the war he got shot by a musket 3 times in the face and my other best friend died cause he had aids. While I was in the war I just believed that I’m just going to stay alive. Even though I was scared I was excited to be a solider because I was fighting for what I believe in.
December 13 1865
Now that the war is over I am so happy. One thing is because I am still alive, but then I’m still mad because a lot of my friends died and now I am a loner. The next thing I hope that happens in my life is just to live happy. The war has taught me that I’m glad I live in the north. My opinion after the war now is great because there is no more slavery. See ya next time I write in my diary.
Terence Ching
Dear Journal,
February 1, 1863
Let me introduce myself. I am Charles Mai, 18 year old and I am from Texas. I am a white soldier fighting for the confederate. I am a private with a new breech-loading rifle. I have a gray service uniform with canvas. Daily life was like hearing shots fired around. I slept in a tent with my friends. The pork and beef was good. I never had that kind of food before. Every night I worry about my family. Slavery is good because u can let other people do all your work. the war is right because the north(union) is trying to stop slavery and we are suppose defend slavery. The confederates loved music like slavery music and killing music. I have been in battle and I’ve been wounded on my butt. When I went to the hospital, the doctors didn’t wash there hands. I still go to school and learned about shooting, killing and math. My cousin John Tran has died by a disease and he was a union.
Charles Mai died by a shot in the heart. Charles had fought in the battle and killed about ten people. Charles had been shot and still fought but he got shot in the heart. The war had made Charles difficult because it was so hard to aim because they were far away. Charles have lots to eat because he always eats about three or four beefs a day. Charles loved to play dominoes.
The war is over and the union has won. I was not happy that we lost the battle because they have stopped slavery. I have never lost anything. I’m hoping next time in my life that I will feel sorry about slavery. I have learned that slavery was very wrong.
RANDY MAI
Dear journal ,
It’s the first day in the war for me. I had to take the train all the way over here. I already miss my family and friends. This war is pointless they should have flipped a coin to avoid all the deaths. I’m a little afraid of dying.
-Flavio
3/28/61
Dear journal
Most of my friends are dead even saw a baby get shot in the face. I’ve seen people step on mines and get ripped to pieces. It’s terrible. So much death I tried to save an innocent person from being shot. But they shot her, then me in the leg. I spent 2 days in the infirmary then after they sent me right back on the battlefield all I got was a stupid purple heart
-Flavio
7/3/63
Dear journal
I’ve stepped on a mine I fear that these are my last hours on this earth I will soon die and go to hell. if some one finds this tell my family I love th…
Amy Wong
S.S/7th period
3/7/08
(First Entry)
Dear Journal,
“Let me describe myself, I am Alexander Love.”
It’s May 2, 1869. It’s getting really dangerous so I’m writing this letter to my loved ones, in case I don’t survive this. I am currently 25 and an African American Union Soldier. I was born in North Carolina.
“Now that the war has begun, I believe slavery should stop”
I think that the war wasn’t necessary; I really hate slavery that’s why I’m in the war, trying to save my people. I’m not excited being a soldier. I’m very sacred, scared that I won’t see my family anymore. I became a soldier because I thought slavery was bad, so I knew I had to do something about it, and I knew that if I didn’t join the war, slavery.
“Today I did some drills and looked for some enemies”
Today, I did some drills and I wore a navy uniform. I ate bread, soup and some water. I slept in a tent and it’s not comfortable. I carry/use a gun. It’s not that heavy, but it’s sure dangerous.
(Second Entry)
Dear Journal,
“So much has happened in the past two years. I have been injured”
It’s June 16, 1971. I’m currently in war right now. I fought in a battle and I have been hurt. It was very dangerous and scary. But worse than that was the way us colored people got treated. They treated us like dogs and slaves. We didn’t get much food and we did much of the cleaning up. They didn’t like us and they showed that to us.
“This war has made my life very difficult. For example, I miss my family”
We don’t have enough food to eat so we don’t have that much energy to fight in the war. Some hardships I faced were that I was a colored soldier. We have shortages in food and other necessities. We barely are armored for war.
“At least there are some amusements to help pass the time. For example, I like to sleep”
I like listening to soul and gospel music. I play card games when I’m not busy. I sometimes have fun but most of the time, I worry about the future for me.
“Now that the country has been at war for two years, I believe we could win”
My feelings for war haven’t changed a bit. Not even a bit. I still think it’s wrong and not necessary.
April 3, 1861
Dear Journal,
I’m Henry C. Fung. I’m an 18 year old white man supporting the union. I’m currently living in Louisiana. The war has just begun, and I hope that maybe, just maybe, things won’t get too horrid. I’ve just been drafted into the war, and its making me very nervous. I don’t even believe that this war will do anything. Today I had to wake up at 5 in the morning; eventually it’ll become a habit. I woke up, ate, did laundry, wrote letters to my family, and did drills. Things here are just plain unpleasant. The muskets they’ve given us are so inaccurate and hard to use. I’m wearing a cotton blue uniform, and it barely fits. When I sleep, I have to share a tent with 3 other men. The food here isn’t half bad though; I get served meats, hard tack, rice, peas, beans, potatoes, etc. I just hope things get better from here on out.
April 12, 1863
Dear Journal,
It’s been about a two years now, and so much has happened. Many of my friends have died, and I’ve had so many near death experiences. I had gotten shot once, and it became an infection. I became so scared that I might die, but I’m still living. This war makes my life very difficult. I can’t sleep at night anymore, I’m always thinking about the next day, and what might happen. I really miss my family; I just hope I’ll live war to see them again. Supplies are becoming low, and we have to be careful about how much we eat each day. When we’re not writing letters, doing laundry, or doing drills, we’re playing with cards, dominoes, and gamble.
Things here have taken a turn for the worse. Many of us fear that we’ll lose this battle, but as for me, I believe we’ll triumph.
April 1, 1865
Dear Journal,
Things seem to be getting better. The treaty has been signed, but the battles are still going on. I’m relieved that this is almost over. Many of my close friends had died in battle, and I’ve just received news that my wife had died, while disguised as a man to help fight the war. Hopefully, the slavery issue will be resolved after al of this. I just hope to get back home, and live life as if this had never happened, but I’m very doubtful of that.
Randy Fung 7°
June 3, 1861
Dear journal,
One day I was farming in my house then I heard gunshots in the sky, then I realized the civil war had just started. I was drafted then had to go to training. I am 21 years old, a confederate soldier from Virginia. I was rushed into the war because I lived so close. My friend, Charles Mai, and I were in training together. We were afraid of dying and our friends and family were worried. We had to wear a gray service uniform. We were all privates. Then it was off to the battle field.
April 5,1862.
We were in the battlefield and Charles was in charge of the cannon. He was shooting that thing like no tomorrow. Me and a lot of other people were the ones shooting with rifles. A lot of them were afraid of death, and of course I was also. I was also afraid of killing other union soldiers, but it was my job and duty to do that. I bet it was a nightmare for the families and friends for the people that died. It was very sad to see all the dead soldiers on the battle field.
-Alexander Daniel
May 28, 1863.
It is the middle of the war and I am getting used to my daily life. I eat pork and beef, I sleep in a tent, I wear my gray uniform, I use a loading rifle, and I go into battle. We went out there and fought the union soldiers. I killed some soldiers then I got shot in the left leg several times and I had to retreat. When I left, I took the time to look on the floor and I saw a union soldiers name, William A. Tobie aka Chi Boo, I had just realized that I killed this man.
October 7 1866.
The war is over and the confederates lost the battle. Now slavery is over. I am glad that it is over because I believe that everyone has equal rights. That was a very emotional war because my good friend, Charles Mai got shot in the heart and died. He was the best cannon person out there. He will always be remembered just like all of the soldiers that died during the war.
Sincerely,
Alexander Daniel
Abraham Rivera A.K.A AB
Dear Journal,
March 6, 1862
Today we will battle a cavalry in the confederate. I have already lost some friends. I feel that it was not necessary. I got in the union army because I think slavery is bad. I hope in this battle I don’t lose any body else. I also hope the war ends soon. Today we ate bread with beans and meat. I got use to eating this food but it’s not that good. After the war I will go with my family and my butas. But until then im stuck in this war. I hope our cavalry wins today. I cant handle anymore of my friends die. Just because the people in the south wants to have slavery. Im still living in this war because we won the war against the south.
Sincerely, Felipe Rivera
May 5, 1863
Dear diary,
This is Christopher Ching talking about me. I am a white private union solider from Wisconsin. I am 14 years old. I wear a dark blue uniform and black boots. My favorite weapon is the musket because that’s the only weapon I have. I usually eat something called hard tack or something like that and I drank flavorless coffee and water. Every day when I wake up for the war I was tired because I slept in a tent which was very uncomfortable. The reason why I am in the war because I think it is wrong. I think that the war was necessary because if we don’t fight them slavery won’t end. The war was so bad I got wounded almost every month luckily I am here right now typing this. I got shot in the leg like 5 times and I got slapped by a horse shoe. One of my best friends died in the war he got shot by a musket 3 times in the face and my other best friend died because he had consumption. While I was in the war I just believed that I’m just going to stay alive. Even though I was scared I was excited to be a solider because I was fighting for what I believe in.
December 13 1865
Now that the war is over I am so happy. One thing is because I am still alive, but then I’m still mad because a lot of my friends died and now I am a loner. The next thing I hope that happens in my life is just to live happy. The war has taught me that I’m glad I live in the north. My opinion after the war now is great because there is no more slavery. See ya next time I write in my diary.
Terence Ching
January 28 , 1861
Dear Journal ,
Let me describe myself . I am Lieutenant Aaron Lee . I have a beautiful wife named laura lee and 3 kids in Kentucky . I am African American of the age 42 . I am a Lieutenant fighting for the union North . I strongly believe in anti slavery , and I am willing to sacrifice my life for slavery to end . I am not afraid , & I do not fear anything except for Losing the civil War to the confederate South .
May 7 , 1861
Dear Journal ,
Today , was quite a long day . I had quite an argument with one of my best sailors . I was quite disappointed in him . he refused to work & contradicted me for a long time . Later we negotiated , & we were both happy . Then I had to command a new flight . Later on , I will sleep in a tent with 2 lieutenants I’ve known for several years , & a new officer/commissioner .
I also had a new uniform made for me today . My old uniform was destroyed by one of the older battles I fought . The new uniform consisted of a navy cap with beaver fur , a navy coat with brass buttons , & navy pants which were fire resistant . I wore a ruffled blouse & black leather shoes . The weapons I carry , are a rifle and a pistol .
July 6 , 1862
Dear Journal ,
Wow , today was one of the most disastrous days of my life . We went to battle today & one of my best friends who I have known since I started as a lieutenant , passed away . COD was a gunshot to the chest & between the 1st & 2nd rib bones . I will win this battle for him , even if it costs my life . I didn’t quite feel like eating today . I was saddened by my lost friend . Even though we had a feast today consisting of turkey , mashed potatoes , crackers , & ham . I knew that when I became a lieutenant , I will suffer from many losses . & I know I cant do anything to bring my friend back .
I will win this war .
April 16 , 1863
Dear Journal ,
I was listening to some music today . I got over my friend , but is still encouraged by him . The weather today , was really bad , & a lot of the soldiers are getting sick , & cannot fight in the battle tomorrow . Hopefully , the north will end slavery by ending this war . Now that I have been in war for 2 years , I believe we will win .
May 26 , 1863
The north WON ! I am so relieved and very proud . I am very glad the war & slavery is over . I am hopeful that I am not fighting the war anymore . The war has taught me to not give up for anything & you can suffer from many losses during the war .
Veronica Lee
Dear diary,
Let me describe myself, my name is Antonio Gutierrez, imp 18 years old.Im from New Mexico, im a union soldier my daily life when not fighting was mostly, spent practicing battle techniques, and my considerable time was spent killing boredom by making meals, doing laundry, cutting firewood and writing letters home, and to entertain myself I would be horse riding and playing games such as cards and dominoes helped to relieve from boredom, and we would also sing songs and tell stories I worry about my family most of the time, I also think slavery is plain wrong ,and that war was unnecessary I listen to old plain boring music because there is nothing else to hear, I have been in a battle on the year of 1861 for 3 months I have been in the battle and I was wounded I got shot 3 times but on different places one was on my left arm other on my leg and the 3rd on my shoulder but then they did perfect at curing me I only have scars left since my injuries were bigger than the rest of them so they had to treat me first, my friends have been killed in a war but I was alright because they usually got on my nerves and others died of diseases like dropsy, and scrofula which are horrible I have been witness in so many killings but glad I’m still alive.
(DANICA G.)
Dear Maher,
I am now the president of the United States of America. I bet you don’t know who this is it is your long time favorite friend. I was just wondering how you were doing from when we were in the war and u got injured. Remember we had that nasty food we ate every day but to bad I didn’t have to eat that food because they treated me the best. But I was wondering if you wanted to come visit me in the white house because we have to work on your aim because you almost killed me.
Your best friend- John Tukes
Diary of Alice Berry
Dear Diary,
My name is Alice Berry. I am a white women who is 30 years old. I currently have
a son and a loving husband. I live in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania and I support the Union.
Now that the war has begun, I believe that its our turn to gain rights. I believe that
the war could have been avoided if we had just signed the end to slavery with the
Declaration of Independence. I know and feel that slavery is wrong. I will become a
nurse and help the union win the war!
Dear Diary,
I just fed 50 soldiers and nursed 2 back to health. I'm so exhausted from all the
work and I barely had any food to eat. Nurses also eat less then the soldiers, so I'm
always hungry all the time. Today I had to wear my dirty brown dress. Our nurse uniform
is only a black or brown dress without jewelry. Almost everyday I eat some hardtack,
salt pork, and cold vegetables. It's basically the same thing everyday. At night I sleep in
stuffy tents with the other nurses.
Dear Diary,
So much has happened already in the past two years. I have met many people and
saved many lives. Today I just found out that my husband died. It's such a sad day.
I will miss him, but I will forever remember him. This war has made my life very difficult.
I had to see so many soldiers die in front of my arms. I didn't have enough to eat for
2 years already! Everyday for the past 2 years, everyone had starved because of food
shortages. I barely had any free time to rest or write in this diary. My job is just day
in and day out. I know that this is my job, but it can be very tiring at times. I'm tired
right now, so I'll just stop for now.
Dear Diary,
The war is finally over! I'm so happy! The union won and I get to go back home to
my son. Now that the war is over I believe that the war will make America stronger
and united now that we have overcome a great issue. Now I am hopeful that we
won't have another civil war. Overall, the war has taught me that we will all try and
fight for what we believe in.
Stacey P.
Diary of Rachel Walker
I am Rachel Walker and I'm a white woman who's 32 years old. I live in Pennsylvania Gettysburg and I'm supporting the union. I have a son and a husband at home. Now that the war has begun, I believe that it's our turn to prove ourselves as woman by helping in the war. I think the war could be avoided. Also I think slavery is wrong . Today I nursed soldiers as much as I could. Today I aided the injured I wore a black dress and ate hardtack, eggs, cold vegetables, and bacon. I sleep in tents with all the other nurses.
So much has happened in the past two years. I have met many people and saved many lives. During the war, I found out that my brother had died and i was hardly happy to see so much people losing their lives in the war. I nursed so many people that I am used to see blood. However during that time, i saw so many soldiers die and get wounded. I was hoping that the war would end soon.This war has made my life very difficult. For example, I had to stay away from my family for two years. During the war, we had so little to eat that i was never full. Also sometimes there was a shortage of food and other stuff. At least there were some amusements to help pass the time. However since I am a nurse, I had hardly free time, if I did had free time I would listen to patriotic songs. Now that the country has been in war for two years, I believe the war soon end soon. However I still think the war could be avoided.
The war is over, and I'm going home to see my family. I have to tell my sister-in -law that her husband(my brother) that he died in the war and that I'm going to take care of her and her daughter from now on. I was so glad that the war is over and I could finally going home.
now I am hopeful that we could have a better life . I am hoping that my life in the U.S. will be better. I think the united states would be a united country again.
the war has taught me that womens can be independent. I learn that the war can do us no good in any way however I still think that this war could be avoided.
by: JTW
Dear Diary, (1st entry)
Let me describe myself, I am Andrew Jackson. I am a man of the age 28. I hail from the land of Michigan and I'm a part of the Union.
Now that the war has begun, I believe that this was wrong. This was is un-justified but couldn't be avoided. We are fighting for the freedom of slaves which is something that is un-Christian and not right to those that are being treated poorly. I have become a sharpshooter to protect my family, country, and my beliefs. Today I was nearly killed in an explosion when an enemy gunner shot an explosive that was close to me. Today I practiced my target practice. All day we have to wear our army uniforms that were torn,ripped,dirty,and worn out. The good part was we had a good meal that consisted of bread,potatoes, and beef. After all the practicing, I went into my tent and slept on my bed with the 9 other soldiers that shared the tent with me. I placed my long-ranged rifle under my bed in case it was needed.
Dear Diary, (2nd entry)
So much has happened in the last 2 years. I have longed to see my family that I haven't seen in so long. In these past years I have been shot at and I have broken a few of my limbs multiple times. That battles were long, gruesome, and deadly. Most of the time we have enough to eat but sometimes there isn't enough so I give up my food for the others. I have be on guard all the time because sometimes we get into fights in the camp that sometimes result in deaths of our own soldiers, I try to avoid them if I can. At least there are some amusements to help pass the time. We sing to patriotic songs, play games like Shoot the Shia, and marbles. This war has been the same all the way just that we have lost many.
Dear Diary, (3rd entry)
The war is finally over, and I am proud that we have won. Now that the war is over I can finally go home and see my wife and kids. Gladly none of my family members have died because they fled to Maine in order to stay protected. I am now hopeful that this will be forgotten and that we will unite together as one country. The U.S. will unite as one and we will become one, great country. The war has taught me that violence is one solution, but is very costly and puts the greatest of all burdens on our souls. The Civil War has taught me that violence is not that answer for a quarrel between people of one country.
Tevin Liao
2nd period
Erik's civil project
By:Erik Li
2nd period
Dear Diary,
First Entry(beginning of the war)
"let me describe myself. I am Erik."
I'm at the age of 13 and I'm a white male union gerenal.
"Now that the war has begun, I believe in peace and no slaves."
No, I don't think the war is justified and yes it could be avoided.
My feeling about slavery is that it's cruel.
No I'm not excited about the war. I'm the gerenal of the army because it's the highest rank in the army.
"Today I will prepared for tomorrow battles."
Today I played with my knife and I accident cut myself with it.
I was wearing my uniform today.
I ate meat today.
I slept in my cabin today.
I was carrying a musket today.
Second Entry(middle of the war)
"So much has in the past two years. I have missed being at home.
I went to war today.
My soldier follow along with me and it was a bloody fight.
One of my soldier named Alan Shia got wounded and eventually he died.
"This war has made my life very difficult. For example, I got shot at my arm.
Yes, I did had enough to eat.
The hardship I faced was being wounded and unable to fight with my unit.
Yes there was a shortage on food.
My thought are going home ad missing everyone I love.
"At least there are some amusements to help pass the time. For example, I like to play with my knife.
I listen to country music.
I played the game draft.
"Now that the country has been at war for two years, I believe it's goin to end pretty soon."
Yes my feeling have changed since my first entry journal entry.
Third Entry(end of the war)
"The war is over , and I am finally can go back home and see my love one.
I am glad that the war is over.
I didn't lose anyone in the war.
"Now I am hopeful that the world will be peace now."
I'm hoping that the U.S. is goin to be in peace for as long as the U.S. is still there.
I think that the U.S. can be one united country again.
"The war has taught me that it was the bloody war in U.S. history.
It was a bloody war field.
Th civil war has ended.
Dear Diary,
Let me describe myself. I am Chris from the state of New York.
I am described as a white man, at the age of 13.
I would be honored to support the Union. Now that the war has begun,
I believe in peace and no slaves.
The war can not be justified and it can not be avoided.
The war is just a mistake for all citizen including the slaves and slavery
must end now!
As a soldier I hope to protect my family and help others in need.
Today, I should prepare for tomorrow's heavy battle.
Today was a steady paced excercise of techniques used for the battle.
We worn normal soldier uniform that was very tight and uncomfortable.
We ate bread, pork, beef, beans, and vegetables.
We slept in a tent crowded with about 8 soldiers.
We carried muskets while we sleep and some
went outside taking turns watching out for each other's back.
So much has happened in the past two years. I have been worried of my family.
During the battle I have been shot down. My right arm has been wounded and is unable
to move as much as before. Now that the war has ended I am glad.
One of my friend got exploded by a heavy cannon. Blood was everywhere I was calling
out for medical help but no one responded. I felt scared and confused.
This war has made my life very difficult. For example, I have to use my left arm at all time.
We had enough to eat after the battle. But during the feast everyone grew silent.
We had little fresh water to drink. I hope to go home soon.
During the feast we played Drafts. And later we sang to pass time.
After that day everyone fell asleep. My feelings have changed after the war.
The war has ended and I am satisfied and glad it is.
Now that the war has ended slavery has ended also.
I hope that there will be peace and freedom all over the Earth.
The United States will be one united country again.
The war has taught me that violence is not the answer to all questions. Also that people should fight for what they believe in.
I hope that the civil war has ended and everyone is able to live on with their lives.
Christopher N. 2nd Period
Journal of Union Soldier Aaron Lee
Journal Entry 1: 2/1/1861
Hello there let me describe myself i am Private Aaron Lee of the Unassigned U.S Colored Troops. I am a African-American male and i am 25 years old. I grew up in Alabama as a slave but then i escaped to the North and joined the Colored Troops of The North. Now that the war has begun, I believe in Freedom and equality to both White men and Black men everywhere. I do not think slavery is right because i was once a slave my self and i still got family members and friends that are still slaves in The South. I am not glad to be going to war because i am uncertain if i will live another day but, i am happy to say when the North wins and slavery is ended i will be a hero and i will be proud to say i was there to help all slaves become free.
Today we were running drills when suddenly the guy next to me clasped to the floor. He was another black soldier that also escaped from slavery. He was wearing a dirty white shirt only me i was in a brand new Union colored uniform. after the drills for lunch we ate crackers and soup and for dinner we ate dried up fruits and salted pork. After dinner i had to go back to me tent that i shared with a another soldier we slept on the floor. The next day we finally got our weapons i received a riffle and a pistol.
Journal Entry 2: 4/15/1863
So much has happened in the past two years. I have been shot in the arm and my chest but i am still going strong. Over the past two years i have made many new friends both black and white but, sadly i have also lost many not only to the war but to diseases as well. I fought in the battle of Mobile. In that battle i learned how important it was to not make any noise what so ever my Vincent Carter was yelling because he was shot in the arm then out of no where a Confederate army soldier came out of no where and shot him in the head. I was also shot in the arm and chest. Surprisingly the Union army has treated me well and i think that the Emancipation Proclamation was a great thing because it ended slavery but sadly the war is not yet over. And i am also at a disadvantage because i have lost my right leg.
I am starving from time to time as i am not getting enough to eat. One thing that was hard on me was that i got captured by the Confederate army. There is also shortage of food and most of the men in my troop is dieing of hunger. I am also worrying about my son and if he might get drafted into the war or if he have gotten killed. At least there are some amusements to help pass the time. For example, i like to DANCE. I like to listen to music with no lyrics only beats. Me and couple of my buddies like to play poker to see who is in the front lines. Now that the country has been at war for two years, i believe there will be more hard ships to come. I still believe this war is necessary and is worth fighting for.
Final Entry: 3/30/1865
The war is over, and i am glad to see my son is still alive is livening some what well. I am sooooooooo glad that the war is over now i can retire as a hero. Now it is time for me to finally own my own farm in the north. Now i am hopeful that good times are to come to this country. I hope that there will be a black president before i past... I also hope that the United States of America will become a untied nation once again. The war has taught me that life is rough and you can't get everything your way. I learned a lot over these 5 years i hope i can show my son and his sons what i learned I also learned that not all white men are bad. For that i am glad to tell you this is my life as a soldier good bye....
Civil War Journal
Tinna Anita
Day 1
I have infiltrated the enemy lines. I am running low on supplies and must obtain water quickly.
Day 2
Enemy weapons include sabres, hand-pistols, and small daggers(obtained so far). Food obtained is dirty and appears uneddible.
Day 3
I dont know how long I can hide. All is active and than slumpy, then in a split second, all is moving again. Their pattern is tricky to avoid unnoticed.
Day 6
I couldn't keep pausing to write. They could have caught up probably and couldn't risk losing it all now. I need to run now.
Day 7
I am almost at the border. Soldiers of all colors are coming at me in many directions and I nearly got captured. I am wounded on my leg and must hide myself for a while.
Day 10?
I think this is day 10.Anyways, they are lining around and I cant escape as quickly as I thought. I cant run as fast right now sow I must either wait or escape through another passage.
Day 21?
Not enough time to write in my log book. Im writing as fast as I can. I was forced away from the border and I have no idea where I am.
My body aches all around and I think I can escape in my poor conditiion. My fear is a sickness and hope is its only cure... I hope.
Day 22
Ha! They left an opening in their border and I'm going to esca-
Day?
How could I have let myself get caught. Now I'm even further from the border! GAH!!! I'm so frustrated!
Day??
I have calmed down I guess... They sent a small platoon for me. FEH! None of them will catch me for now I am going to end their lives now.
Day WHO CARES!!!!!!
I have given myself a blood-stained knife. I will hide among the townspeople and make sure I'm not remembered. Im a failure.
I think this will be my last entry. I'm just a lost soul
"sobs" * *
* * ** *
* * * * **
Beginning of the war
My name is James Spivey Im a 25 year old african american male ,and I live in Illinois also Im in the Union army.
Now that the war has begun, I believe we might win. I hope we win because I think slavery is very cruel. I became a soilder because the North helped me and othe slaves become free. Today I wrote in my Diary and wrote letters home.
Middle of the war
When Im not fighting I have to practice drilling. I have to cook, do laundry ,cut fire wood. Most soilders horse race and gamble like cards and dominoes and sing songs.I dont listen to music. We usually sleep in tents but in the winter we sleep in log cabins.In the north we eat eggs,pancakes,bacon,beans, and vegitables. I hope I can see my family again.So much has happened in the past two years, I have seen alot of Deaths. Being in the war can be scary and exciting. Alot of people are mean to me even though they want to end slavery,its all very confusing.
This war has made my life very difficult For example I lost alot of friends and I cant go home until the war is over. I dont have enough to eat all the time because there are alot of people and food goes very fast.At least there are some amusements to help pass the time,for example I like to play cards and I try to think positive but its hard to do that because so much has happened. I think the war is good and bad because african americans will become free, and bad because alot of people are losing their lifes and families.
End of the war
The war is over and I am very tierd but also happy because I can go home with my family.I lost alot of people in this war and Im not sure if it was worth it but now their families and friends can be free.Now I am hopeful that me and my family can be happy and not have to worry any more.
The war has taught me that if people never had slavery all of the people who died in this war could still be here now.
Aya D. 5th Social Studies
Diary Of Union Soldier Vincent CARTER
Beginning of the War
Journal Entry 1: 2/2/1861
Hello let me describe myself.I am a Corporal of the Union Army. My name is Vincent Carter. I am a male Soldier. I am African-American. I am 23 years old. I live in California with my family.I escaped slavery to join the Colored Troops.Now that the war has begun, I believe I will end slavery. My feeling's about slavery is unnecessary. I think the war is justified. It could not have been avoided. I am excited about being a soldier because i get to fight for slavery and end it. I became a soldier so i can prevent slavery.
Today i received a Rifle and a pistol. It was a musket and a revolver. After that we did some drills and i met another African-American soldier during our drills. His name was Aaron Lee.He was a strong soldier. He is a private.After that we ate oatmeal.Then we slept in a tent on the floor.
Middle of The War
Journal Entry 2: 4/15/1863
So much has happened in the past two years.I have lost friends but,made new ones both black and white. I have fought in so many wars.It was very Bloody.My friend Aaron Lee was shot in the arm and in his chest but, he is still alive. I have faced a lot of racism in the wars.This war has made my life very difficult.For example I saw my friends die before my eyes. There was a lot of starving people. I was faced to death a lot. But luckily I am still alive. Today we were fighting Confederate Soldiers a lot of our soldiers died. Then I saw one of my friends about to die so I tried to save him but, it was too late. I was distracted to save my partner I forgot to protect my self from the gun fire. Then I got shot in my arm. I yelled for "HELP." Then i saw Aaron Lee coming to help me but, out of nowhere I got shot in my head. Then that was the end of my life. I died on June 4,1863.Now that the country has been at war for two years, I believe it should end. My feelings have changed over the past years.
End Of The War
Journal Entry 3:3/30/1865
The war is over, and I am dead. I am glad the war is over, but I wished I could've lived longer. I lost a lot of friends in the War.Now that I am hopeful that I helped my country.I hope i will go to heaven. The war has taught me to be brave and to help others.I also learned a lot of sad things. My beliefs and opinions changed a lot.The war has ended and it's to for me to Rest In Peace.
Dear Diary,
Journal Entry 1
My name is Aaron Christopher, I am an African American man, 18 years old from South Carolina, and I am fighting for the Union side to end slavery. I think the war was a good thing because we can finally end the question about slavery. I feel that slavery is wrong especially since all men are created equal. I am uncertain about fighting in this war but I became a soldier to fight for freedom.
Today I spent a long day with other soldiers doing drills practicing for battle. I am wearing a long blue jacket with metal buttons and a leather belt. All I ate today was salted meat and have to sleep in a tent. I carry a rifle with me at all time because I do not know when we are going to get attacked or when we are safe. To be honest I don’t think we are ever safe during this war.
Journal Entry 2
In these past two years I have seen friend and fellow soldiers die right in front of my eyes. I have fought in many battles and seeing people die and the gunshots always makes me afraid no matter how many times I see it or hear it. I have been wounded once when we were in battle I got shot in crossfire in the shoulder. I am glad that there are people who are fighting against slavery and I am happy that they had the Emancipation proclamation.
This war has made my life very difficult. For example, I do not have many friends and a lot of them have died from the many battles. I do not have much to eat and I’m afraid I will lose my life. I always think about having a family because I was separated from my mom when I was only a baby. When the war ends I want to start my own family.
We do not have many things to entertain us while we are not doing drills or eating so in my spare time I play chess or dominoes with my fellow soldiers.
Journal Entry 3
The war is finally over and I am so happy that we won and slavery no longer is allowed in the Untied States of America. Now that the war is over I hope to get a job and start a family. I hope that the countries that were once slave states will join us again so we can have a bigger free country.
In the civil war I learned that we have to work together and try our best for what we believe in. When you believe in your can achieve.
Christopher Ng 5period
Dear Diary,
Journal Entry 1
My name is Aaron Christopher, I am an African American man, 18 years old from South Carolina, and I am fighting for the Union side to end slavery. I think the war was a good thing because we can finally end the question about slavery. I feel that slavery is wrong especially since all men are created equal. I am uncertain about fighting in this war but I became a soldier to fight for freedom.
Today I spent a long day with other soldiers doing drills practicing for battle. I am wearing a long blue jacket with metal buttons and a leather belt. All I ate today was salted meat and have to sleep in a tent. I carry a rifle with me at all time because I do not know when we are going to get attacked or when we are safe. To be honest I don’t think we are ever safe during this war.
Journal Entry 2
In these past two years I have seen friend and fellow soldiers die right in front of my eyes. I have fought in many battles and seeing people die and the gunshots always makes me afraid no matter how many times I see it or hear it. I have been wounded once when we were in battle I got shot in crossfire in the shoulder. I am glad that there are people who are fighting against slavery and I am happy that they had the Emancipation proclamation.
This war has made my life very difficult. For example, I do not have many friends and a lot of them have died from the many battles. I do not have much to eat and I’m afraid I will lose my life. I always think about having a family because I was separated from my mom when I was only a baby. When the war ends I want to start my own family.
We do not have many things to entertain us while we are not doing drills or eating so in my spare time I play chess or dominoes with my fellow soldiers.
Journal Entry 3
The war is finally over and I am so happy that we won and slavery no longer is allowed in the Untied States of America. Now that the war is over I hope to get a job and start a family. I hope that the countries that were once slave states will join us again so we can have a bigger free country.
In the civil war I learned that we have to work together and try our best for what we believe in. When you believe in your can achieve.
Christopher Ng 5period
Let me describe myself, I am a 27 year old male named Adrien Johnson who originally lived in Michigan, but i moved to
North Carolina. I am very poor and struggling to make a living for myself here. I am a white male who is a member of the Confederacy. I am a Bienville Guard
I think slavery is necessary for the South, farmers needed help and the economy depends on slavery. Slaves helped work at the plantations.
Today I say someone get killed. It really frightened me that someday that might happen to me. I am uncertain of my future here. As a guard I wear a soldier uniform, it has the letters of "GUARD" on my vest. Today I had very little to eat; 2week old bread and some water. I am very hungry!
My opinions and believes haven't changed much, I guess you can say I'm hard headed or stubborn.
Kalvin Li
6 period
First Entry (beginning of the war)
Let me describe myself. I am Adam John. I am a 32 year old white man in Kansas. I am part of the Union in the Civil War. Now that the war has begun, I believe it is meaningless. I do not think th war is justified & i think it could have been avoided. My opinion about slavery is that i think it is horrible & we should solve it peacefully. I am a Calvary for the Unions. I became a soldier so i can protect my home. I saw many of my friends die in battle. Our uniform are blue raincoats & blue khakis. We usually have bacon & cornbread. We sleep in small tents. We use rifles & swords against our enemy.
Second Entry (middle of the war)
So much has happened in the past two years. I have lost many companions. I have fought in battles & it was very dangerous & risky. Most woman would be staying at home waiting fro their family or husbands to return. This war has made my life very difficult. For example, there were bad medic's because when you get shot, you wouldn't be rushed to a hospital & you would have an infection in your wound & die. We had barely enough for all of us to eat. Sometimes we play chess & dice when we have nothing to do. Now that the country has been at war for two years, I believe war has come to end. My feelings have changed ever since my first journal entry.
Third Entry (end of the war)
The war is over and i am so glad that it is. I have lost many friends in the war. Now i am hopeful that we reunite. In my next life in the U.S. i hope there will be peace. I think the U.S. will become a united country once again. The war has taught me that violence is not the answer. People risk their lives for our country & home. I now believe that fighting is wrong.
Dear Diary,
It has been a couple of days since the war has started. (january 1861) Let me describe myself. I am a white, female nurse named Clara Barton. I am 43 years old, borned in Massachusetts. I support the Union. " Now that the war has begun, I believe I may be compelled to face danger, but never fear it, and while our soldiers can stand and fight, I can stand and feed and nurse them." Today I healed many men with bloody arms, legs, or the whole body. As much as i see blood, I would stay united with them until the very end! Since blood is often stained on clothes, I wear dark colored dresses with no frills. That helps the stains be less noticeable. I try to heal and feed as much soldiers as possible. Everyone eats the same things with the usual combinations of: salted meat, coffee beans, sugar, hardtack, carrot, nuts, and dried fruits. So much for now, I'll write again when I have time
Fara W. 6th period
Dear Journal
Today I have meet many difference people in my company, they are all difference people. all of them are from difference states. I meet a mage sergent. I was playing chess with another soilder today. I have many friend now. Today I had cornmeal and pork for lunch, it was better than the usual. I usually had an piece of bacon fat with some hardtacks. I am starving for some made meals. i was drafted into this horrible war. I miss my friends that I met here that died in battle.
bob Williams 1862
Dear Diary,
Journal Entry 1
My name is Aaron Christopher, I am an African American man, 18 years old from South Carolina, and I am fighting for the Union side to end slavery. I think the war was a good thing because we can finally end the question about slavery. I feel that slavery is wrong especially since all men are created equal. I am uncertain about fighting in this war but I became a soldier to fight for freedom.
Today I spent a long day with other soldiers doing drills practicing for battle. I am wearing a long blue jacket with metal buttons and a leather belt. All I ate today was salted meat and have to sleep in a tent. I carry a rifle with me at all time because I do not know when we are going to get attacked or when we are safe. To be honest I don’t think we are ever safe during this war.
Journal Entry 2
In these past two years I have seen friend and fellow soldiers die right in front of my eyes. I have fought in many battles and seeing people die and the gunshots always makes me afraid no matter how many times I see it or hear it. I have been wounded once when we were in battle I got shot in crossfire in the shoulder. I am glad that there are people who are fighting against slavery and I am happy that they had the Emancipation proclamation.
This war has made my life very difficult. For example, I do not have many friends and a lot of them have died from the many battles. I do not have much to eat and I’m afraid I will lose my life. I always think about having a family because I was separated from my mom when I was only a baby. When the war ends I want to start my own family.
We do not have many things to entertain us while we are not doing drills or eating so in my spare time I play chess or dominoes with my fellow soldiers.
Journal Entry 3
The war is finally over and I am so happy that we won and slavery no longer is allowed in the Untied States of America. Now that the war is over I hope to get a job and start a family. I hope that the countries that were once slave states will join us again so we can have a bigger free country.
In the civil war I learned that we have to work together and try our best for what we believe in. When you believe in your can achieve.
Christopher Ng 5period
Dear Diary,
Journal Entry 1
My name is Aaron Christopher, I am an African American man, 18 years old from South Carolina, and I am fighting for the Union side to end slavery. I think the war was a good thing because we can finally end the question about slavery. I feel that slavery is wrong especially since all men are created equal. I am uncertain about fighting in this war but I became a soldier to fight for freedom.
Today I spent a long day with other soldiers doing drills practicing for battle. I am wearing a long blue jacket with metal buttons and a leather belt. All I ate today was salted meat and have to sleep in a tent. I carry a rifle with me at all time because I do not know when we are going to get attacked or when we are safe. To be honest I don’t think we are ever safe during this war.
Journal Entry 2
In these past two years I have seen friend and fellow soldiers die right in front of my eyes. I have fought in many battles and seeing people die and the gunshots always makes me afraid no matter how many times I see it or hear it. I have been wounded once when we were in battle I got shot in crossfire in the shoulder. I am glad that there are people who are fighting against slavery and I am happy that they had the Emancipation proclamation.
This war has made my life very difficult. For example, I do not have many friends and a lot of them have died from the many battles. I do not have much to eat and I’m afraid I will lose my life. I always think about having a family because I was separated from my mom when I was only a baby. When the war ends I want to start my own family.
We do not have many things to entertain us while we are not doing drills or eating so in my spare time I play chess or dominoes with my fellow soldiers.
Journal Entry 3
The war is finally over and I am so happy that we won and slavery no longer is allowed in the Untied States of America. Now that the war is over I hope to get a job and start a family. I hope that the countries that were once slave states will join us again so we can have a bigger free country.
In the civil war I learned that we have to work together and try our best for what we believe in. When you believe in your can achieve.
Christopher Ng 5period
JOURNAL SOLDIER STARTERS
DEAR DIARY,
Im a an african american nurse soldier Im 24. I live in New York I supported the
Union. No I think the war is not no justice.My feeling about slavery are so bad
Im so mad I dont like slavery. Im scare being a young soldier because i could died
minute.Today I help many people Im weraing a suite,im eating healthy food, i sleep
on a tent. My weapons are nifes,guns,and riffles.Also I have my medical staff
so i could take care of my patients.
Dear Journal,
I am Albert Lincoln. I am 18 years old. I support the Union. Now that the war has begun, I believe we have go to battle. I am a soldier. I am scare that the won't end. Today I battle. I wear cloth and sleep inthe army tents. I carry a sword and a gun. So much has happen in the past two years. I have battle for a long time. I got hurt a lot of time. This war has made my life very difficult. I have to battle until the war is over. I play chess games. I listen to old music.
Andy W. Huang
Social Study 7*
Dear diary,
1/8/1861
My name is Maybel Carrie. I'm 22 years old. I have three children. My husband, George, and eldest son Peter, are in the war right now as Union soldiers. I worry about them everyday. I know that there is no point in worrying but I just can't help but worry. My son is so young yet he still joined. He was so persistent in joining. I still can't believe I let him join. I hope the war will end soon. I need my husband and son to help me with the fields. Without them, I work so much slower. I also have twins , Gracy and Alice, but they are too young to work. They are only two years old. I must work hard to support my children.
Dear diary,
4/24/1861
Why must we have this war? I believe it could have been avoided. If the country had believed in equal rights even before slavery then this wouldn't have happened. We wouldn't have to suffer the cost of slavery. I hope we win and never fight again. Our lives have been affected so greatly by this war. We are starving and in pain because of our greed. But why must my family be in this? We never owned or used slaves. Why must we also starve?
Dear Diary,
8/19/1861
Gracy is sick. Alice is also not energetic. I am worried and scared. I don't have enough money to bring them to the doctor. There is also not enough food and nutrition for them. I must work harder and faster in the fields. I must make money and buy them medicine. I hope the war ends soon. I hope George and Peter will come home soon.
Dear diary,
3/16/1863
Two years has already passed since the beginning. When will it stop? I have prayed and wished every single night, but still this ridiculous war continues to go on and hurt people. I hope that George and Peter are alright. I’m not sure what I will do if they die.
Dear diary,
5/2/1863
I went to buy bread today. Along the way there were many homeless people. They kept asking for money. I felt sad for them. When I returned there was a letter for me. It was from George. He said that Peter and him are both alright. They have only suffered minor injuries. He said that they will not be returning soon. There was no return address on it.
Dear diary,
12/17/1863
Gracy has been asking why George and Peter are not coming home. I can only tell her lies. Life is so hard for us right now. It is so cold here in our small house. I am going to use the last of my savings to buy another blanket and some warm clothing for them. I hope I have enough money. Though I probably don’t.
Dear diary,
6/21/1865
The war has finally ended. I’m glad that both george and peter are okay. They came home yesterday. Gracy and Alice were both so happy to see their brother and father. I was also happy to see them. The north and union have won. There will no longer be slavery. There will be no more suffering. Our country has finally become peaceful again. I hope that both my family and I will never have to go through that again.
Entry 1
I am a 21 year old white woman known by the name Annabel Elizabeth. I am currently living alone with my two kids and my servant in Iowa because my husband is a soldier in the Civil War. I think it's ridiculous that people of the same kind are fighting with each other, and I hope it ends real soon. My two sons need a male role model in their lives and I don't think I can be that for them.
Since the day that John left, I weep myself to sleep every night. Today, I went to a party to forget the sorrow that he was away. I wore my fancy wide hoop skirt and my nice hat, along with some shoes I bought last month. I was having so much fun; eating, dancing, talking, drinking, and playing games. I ate caviar and quails, aside with some nice tea. It was late when I got home, and my kids were already in bed. I took a bath for about 20 minutes. After bathing and brushing my teeth, I went to bed. And that's when I realized; tonight, I was sleeping alone.
Entry 2
So much has happened in the past two years. I have went to a lot of parties and done a lot of drinking to avoid worrying about John. Life is not going as smooth as I thought it would be. I have spent a lot of the family savings due to partying and taking care of the children. I currently have no income and it is very difficult for me to do farming because I am not experienced. My kids are 3 and 5 years old, which makes them pretty useless. I usually ask them to help out, but they quit after a few chores. My servant doesn't come as much because I don't think I can financially handle having her. I guess if you ask how my family is doing, I would say it's content. Every once in a while, I write a letter to John telling him how much I miss him and love him. He never replied, and my heart breaks every time. I hope he is doing fine, and has enough to eat.
Well, at least there are some amusements to help me pass the time. For example, I like to sew, listen to (classical) music, etc. Sometimes I cook, clean, and watch my kids, but that is rare since my kids are very independent. Now that the country has been at war for two years, I believe that it will end very soon. I hope that the Union wins and that slavery will be over because that will reunite the family again. This war has made my life very difficult and I am not who I used to be. Now, I have to watch my kids more often and do more house chores and farming. I also have to take John's responsibilities and turn them into my own. I really wish for him to come home soon. I miss him, I love him, and I need him.
Entry 3
There was a knock on my door today. It took me a while to open it because I was cooking and my hands were dirty, so I had to wash them. I quickly dried them and went to open the door. When the thing that separated me from the person outside flew open, I started crying.. tears of joy. It was John! I hugged him so tight, he must have felt like he was in one of my wide hoop skirts. He whispered to me, "The war is over, Annabel. I love you, and I missed you." Without any doubt, I replied the exact same thing. That night, I cooked the biggest dinner I have ever cooked in my life. I made rice, beef, chicken, eggs, bacon, fish, deviled ham, corn, plentiful of vegetables, and to top that off, his favorite; hardtack. We ate like a family today. I was smiling non-stop, and I think my face is going to be stuck like this for a while. I know this sounds selfish, but I don't care what happened in the war. I am just glad John is back. And as far as I know, none of our family friends have been lost due to the war.
Now I am hopeful that our family will stay together as one forever. I also hope that slavery will end for good. Although I am a white woman, I have never liked slavery. I learned from experience how it feels like to have the ones you love taken away from you, and it is definitely not the best feeling in the world. I hope that there will never be slavery again, and that there will be no more wars for as long as I live. The war has taught me that I need to hold on to what is close to my heart and that wars will either make a country stronger or weaker. Our family is definitely not a country, but I know this for sure; we won, and we are stronger than ever.
-Wendy Wong , 6th period.
Journal Of Arthur Thomas....
Dear Diary,
"Let me describe myself. I'm Arthur Thomas", and I'm a 13 year old African-American man.
I live in California, and I'm part of the union.
"Now that the war has begun, I believe slavery will end".
I do believe that the war could have been avoided. My feelings about the war is very upsetting
I feel so disappointed that people were in war and still doing racism.
It isn't fair and people should have all equal rights no matter what.
I"am excited to be a solider. Yes! I'm scared of being one. I fear death,starvation,and worried about my family.
"Today I make a difference. Slavery will come to an end".
Today I was drilling on battle techniques, I was wearing my uniform on.
What I had for breakfast was a dried biscuit and coffee.
I slept in a tent. I speak for myself on this one the kind of weapons I carry are guns and swords.
"So much has happened in the past two years,for one I feel like I've become a hero a legend".
I fought in many battles and it feels tough.
So far I've have not been wounded/injured but it's still in my worries.
I've faced many prejudice, I'm sort of treated good cause I'm on a army with the people the same color as me.
When it comes to the food it's not really much top eat that's why I'm scared of starvation.
"This war has made my life very difficult.For example, Not seeing my family.
I face a lot of hardships prejudice,death,worries.
There are a lot of shortages in everything like food, weapons, sleep area.
"At least there are some amusements to help pass the time. For example, I like to read and play around on my boredom time. I listen to rap,r&b,and rock music.
I would play video games and only video games.
"Now that the country has been at war for two years,I believe that slavery and racism will come to an end.
My feelings have changed since the first journal entry.
"The war is over,and I am proud, I feel like a hero."
I'm very ecstatic that the war is over.
I had lost none of my loved ones.
I'm an African-American soldier and now that slavery is over I'm gonna do all the things I couldn't do when there was no freedom."Now I'm hopeful that this will stay the same for ever."
I hope next I can go home and enjoy my family and live happily ever happen.
I do believe that the United States can come together again.
"the war has taught me that you need to fight to earn what you want".
I learned from civil war years fighting for rights are good.
Art Thomas
2nd period
Fredrick Wood's Journal Entry
Let me describe myself. I am 25 years old, and I'm also a white union soldier. I support the Union in Ohio. I am ranked Infantry. Now that the war begun, I believe that we will defeat the Confederate. I do think that the war is justified and it could have been avoided. I dislike and I'm angry with the slavery. I am excited about being a soldier because I just wanted to fight for my rights. Even though somethings are not the way I want it to be. "Today I did what I did daily. I trained, and marched in hot, dusty roads all day. I was in my dark blue fatigue jacket with a roll down collar four buttons. Also a dark blue forage cap, should belt with cartridge box and waist belt with percussion cap, box and bayonet. Also I was never actually full, and I just eat inadequate food or whatever I carry with me. I slept in my home in camp which was a rectangular piece of canvas buttoned to another to form a small two-people tent called "Dog Tent". I carry canteen weapons like U.S muskets model 1842 and MI842 Musket Lockplate and Hammer.
So much has happened in the past two years. I have been fighting and fighting for my rights, hoping that things will end soon. If you are reading this I am dead. I have faced many prejudice, and I'm also treated very well. My feeling about Emancipation Proclamation which ended slavery is that I'm very very relieved. This war has made my life very difficult . For example, when I'm fighting, i usually think about how I'm not going to make it and see with my own eyes that slavery will end, and also that the union will lose and there will still be slavery. I am usually not full but I do not starve. I don't face other hardships because I get treated well. There are usually shortages in foods. I am worried about my family and want to go home to them, so I can be relieved. At least there are some amusements to help pass the time. For example, i like to play poker with my friends.
Now that the war is over, and i am happy and relieved. I am also very glad because i get to go home. Greatly, i am fortunate that i didn't lose and family members, because I am the only one who went to war. I am also very sad because some of the friends i made during the war were injured or wounded, and they passed away. Now, i am hopeful that there will be no more slavery. In, my next life i hope that there will be hopefully be no war at all because I don't like the thought of war and people fighting and dieing. I also believe that United States will be one united country and that we will all get along. The war has taught me that we have got to fight for our rights and people have to all get along. I have learned many things from the Civil war, like watching out for things that you know will pop up on you, and that we have to fight for what you believe, but sometimes one person can't change everything, and people have got to stick together to make a change.
The Diary of Rachael Grace
My name is Rachael Grace. I live in New York, in the north. I am 35 years old women living with my son, daughter, and my husband. I support the union. For the most part of the day, I cook, knit, garden, sew, and take care of my children. Today I stay at home and did all my chores. I love to wear hoop skirt with ruffles on sleeve. We eat salted meat and coffee beans. I believe that there shouldn't be slavery because everyone deserve freedom. I remember the time when I saw my husband walking down the path to a dangerous world. From that point on, I knew he was not going to be safe being a soldier. Now that the war begun, I believe that it will cause thousands of lives.
So much had happened in the past two years, I miss my husband. I hope my husband will come home safe and sound. When I heard that my husband died in the war I was sad. This war made my life difficult because my husband died and I need to take care of my son and daughter. Now that the country has been at war for two years, I believe that someday there will be peace.
The war is over and I am looking forward to see a new world. A new world that has no violence, and a peaceful life for all. During this war, I lost my beloved husband. It was sad but looking through the eyes of my children. I knew it was not the end but a brand new beginning for my family. I learn that war caused death to many people lives. I hope United States becomes a one united country.
shelly zeng
First Entry
Let me describe myself. I am Andrew Wong. I am a Asian guy. I'm 24 years old from California. I support the Union. Now that the war has begun, I believe that America can be united and left in peace. I think the war can be justified and avoided. I personally think that slavery should be banned. I am excited to kill people that wants to ruin what we want to do. Today I went to practice with my cannon and almost blew Andrew Johnson's head up. I had to wear heavy armor and camouflage clothes to protect me from getting shot. I ate meat, fish, and a bit of vegetables. I slept in tent with about ten other people. My only weapon was a cannon and a small gun for my own protection.
Second Entry
So much has happened in the past two years. I have learned a lot. I am just glad I am still alive. I was firing shots in a battle and the cannon killed some of our troops. One of them was Alan Shia. I was glad that I wasn't wounded in any battles. This war has made my life difficult. For example, I have to wake up early everyday. I have enough to eat everyday. At least there are some amusements to help pass time. For example, I like to hear Charles Mai crack some jokes. They are just hilarious. I like to play cards. Now that the country has been at war for two years, I believe that this will end soon. My feelings are still the same since the last time I wrote.
Third Entry
The war is finally over. I am exhausted and want to see my family. I am glad that the war is over. I am hoping to live happily ever after with my family members until I get old. I think that the United States can be one united country. The war taught me that we could stay in peace and share our opinions. I learned over the years how to play new games, sing songs, and how to fire a gun at my target. I am happy that the war is over and everything is settled. THE UNION WON!!!
Daniel W.
The Diary of Mary Berry.
Let me describe myself. I am Mary Berry. I am a 10 years old lilttle girl. I live in New York. I support the Union. Now the the war has begun,I believe that there will be peace in our land. I dont think that the war is not justifed.The war can be avioded. I dont like slavery. Today, I helped the soldiers manufacture arms,ammuntion,uniforms and other supplies. I wear hoopskirt with ruffles on sleeve. I eat salted meat and coffee bean. I sleep in a house on my bed.
So much has happened in the past two years. I have been very sad i heard that so many people died and people crying. I am a woman working at home. I made bandages,wounded and knit socks to keep soldiers feet warm and dry. I have enough to eat. Now that the country has been at war for two years, i believe that it will be over soon. My feelings about the war has not changed.
The war is over, and I am happy that its over. None of my friends or family have died in the war. I hope that there will be peace in our country.I think United States can become one united country again. The war has taught me that war is not always right,it cost a lot of lives. I learned that war is not right.
chenesa yan
Journal Entry One
Dear Dairy,
Let me introduce myself. I am Alice Carolin. I'm a White woman, and at the age of thirty four. I live in Wisconsin, and I support the Union. Now that the war has begun, I believe that it's unnecessary, and should be avoided. I feel that slavery is wrong. It should be discontinued and banned everywhere.
Today, I worked on the farm with help from my dear sister, Jane. We also planted these beautiful flowers around the front of her house. Jane and I sew some clothes and shipped them to our fellow soldiers in the war, leaving little notes in them to send our love and care for them. I wore a light blue skirt and blouse, while I hung the clothes outside to dry. It was nice and sunny out ,with a cool breeze in the warm afternoon. For dinner, Jane and I ate a delicious feast. We savored on biscuits, bread, chicken, and cherries. For dessert, we stuffed our self with cake, pie, and jellies. After dinner, I gently rocked my two month old baby, Carrie, to sleep in her wooden cradle. I slept soundly in my small bed, as the wind whistled a soft, quiet tune through the night.
Journal Report Two
Dear Dairy,
So much has happened in the past two years. I have been sent a note from the Captain of the war. It said, " Dear Ms. Carolin, there has been some good and bad news. Your heroic husband has saved a tent full of people, including me, from a bomb that someone has hid underneath a pile of uniforms. We would of got killed, but thanks for husband, we didn't. I have awarded him with a wonderful feast of food, and has sent some food to you myself. This is the good news. Unfortunately,
the bad news is that your 15 year old son has lost his leg. Nurses are healing him in a hospital, and he is slowly recovering from his injuries. God bless you, your husband, your son, and your family. " I weep sorrowful tears as I think of my husband and son in the war. I can't stand the thought of my son missing leg, lying in his hospital bed in pain. Luckily, my husband is okay and I hope he will not get injured from anything. Another thing that has happened to me now, is that Carrie is sick. She has the flu and has these horrible coughs. Thankfully, Jane knows a friend who's nurse, so her friend is taking great care of my baby. Hopefully, Carrie will get well soon. My heart aches, as I wait for my husband and son to come back home from the war, and as I wait for my baby to healthy again. This war has made my life very difficult. For example, food has grown scarce. There's hardly any food here in the house. For weeks, I have been eating the same thing every single day: bread, jellies, and cherries. Once and while, Carrie and I would have some delicious cake that my sister baked, and sometimes we would eat dinner over at Jane's place for other variety's of food. In my spare time, I would listen to, " A Life On The Ocean Wave." It's my favorite song.
Journal Entry 3
Dear Diary,
The war is over, and I am so glad that it is! Now, I am hopeful that everyone will leave peacefully. I think the United States can become one united country again. The war has taught me nothing. My opinions and beliefs has not changed at all. I still think this war is bad. It has caused a ton of bloodshed everywhere! This war has caused my son to lose a precious leg, but things could of gotten worse. All I have to say is that, I am glad that the Civil War is over, there is no more bloodshed, and most importantly, my family is back home again, safe from harm!
Jessie Ng Period 5
The Journal of a Confederate Solider
I am John J. woods, I am African -American man , at the age of 24 years old. I am from Florida and i support the confederacy. My rank in the war is an infantry. The rank I am in is not that high, it is part of a really low rank. Now that the war has begun, i believe that people should be able to own human beings as slaves. Therefore i believe what the confederacy stands for, fight for,and will die for, i represent a belief that slavery of other human being is a right cause. I think the war is justified because people are fighting of what they believe in. This war can be avoided but this has a reason to be fought for. In my opinion i think slavery is needed because my people believe we need slaves to plant their cottons. As my part of being a infantry soldier because i feel like i should fight for what i want. Today, i sand romantic songs, moral horse play, and enjoyed religious services. The uniforms that i wear are neat, trimmed, and simple designs. The uniform has a belt over the shoulder, featuring the "CSA" emblem on the buckle. My unifrom is more ordinate. The hat is more like a western cowboy styled hat. During camp, we eat bacon, corn meal, tea, sugar, molasses, vegetables and Johnnie Cakes. They are made from cornmeal, milk, and a few other ingredients. Later at night we slept in tents in the middle of no where. I didn't really have to be holding the weapons that were used in the war, i just needed a rifle.
So much has happened in the past two years. I have not been home. I didn't really have to fight in the war because of my low ranking. Life is somewhat difficult in the war. I as a infantry soldier. I wasn't wounded during the war because i didn't have to fight. Thhis war has made my life very difficult. For example, i haven't been with my family. In the war, everyone had enough to eat. As a infantry solider, i had to stay away from diseases. In the war, i listened to "The Bonnie Blue Flag" and I played baseball. Now that the country is at war for two years i believe my feelings of the war has changed. The war was really hard to see. Many people risked their lives just because they believed that slavery was right. I feel that there could have been slavery and the couldn't have been slavery.
The war is over, and I'm ready to go back home. I am am so glad that the war is over, but after losing many people, we lost against the union. I feel like now that war isn't worth is because wives have lost many of their husbands. Feeling defeated is really bad. I lost many friend, it is just hard to see them go.Since the has ended, i will be working on taking care of my family and taking care of the farm. All at the same time, i will need to put food on my family's table. Now i am hopeful that my life will be normal again. I hope that in the U.S it wouldn't be hard without the slavery. I believed that the United States will be one united country again because it was fair. People should not be mad, they know they lost and can't do nothing about it. The war has taught me all about death. Many people lost their lives because of slavery. After the war my opinion has changed, now that i know that slavery isn't right. Humans are treated like they are dogs, it is really wrong.
-Sandra Wong
Journal Entry One
Dear Dairy,
Let me introduce myself. I am Alice Carolin. I'm a White woman, and at the age of thirty four. I live in Wisconsin, and I support the Union. Now that the war has begun, I believe that it's unnecessary, and should be avoided. I feel that slavery is wrong. It should be discontinued and banned everywhere.
Today, I worked on the farm with help from my dear sister, Jane. We also planted these beautiful flowers around the front of her house. Jane and I sew some clothes and shipped them to our fellow soldiers in the war, leaving little notes in them to send our love and care for them. I wore a light blue skirt and blouse, while I hung the clothes outside to dry. It was nice and sunny out ,with a cool breeze in the warm afternoon. For dinner, Jane and I ate a delicious feast. We savored on biscuits, bread, chicken, and cherries. For dessert, we stuffed our self with cake, pie, and jellies. After dinner, I gently rocked my two month old baby, Carrie, to sleep in her wooden cradle. I slept soundly in my small bed, as the wind whistled a soft, quiet tune through the night.
Journal Report Two
Dear Dairy,
So much has happened in the past two years. I have been sent a note from the Captain of the war. It said, " Dear Ms. Carolin, there has been some good and bad news. Your heroic husband has saved a tent full of people, including me, from a bomb that someone has hid underneath a pile of uniforms. We would of got killed, but thanks for husband, we didn't. I have awarded him with a wonderful feast of food, and has sent some food to you myself. This is the good news. Unfortunately,
the bad news is that your 15 year old son has lost his leg. Nurses are healing him in a hospital, and he is slowly recovering from his injuries. God bless you, your husband, your son, and your family. " I weep sorrowful tears as I think of my husband and son in the war. I can't stand the thought of my son missing leg, lying in his hospital bed in pain. Luckily, my husband is okay and I hope he will not get injured from anything. Another thing that has happened to me now, is that Carrie is sick. She has the flu and has these horrible coughs. Thankfully, Jane knows a friend who's nurse, so her friend is taking great care of my baby. Hopefully, Carrie will get well soon. My heart aches, as I wait for my husband and son to come back home from the war, and as I wait for my baby to healthy again. This war has made my life very difficult. For example, food has grown scarce. There's hardly any food here in the house. For weeks, I have been eating the same thing every single day: bread, jellies, and cherries. Once and while, Carrie and I would have some delicious cake that my sister baked, and sometimes we would eat dinner over at Jane's place for other variety's of food. In my spare time, I would listen to, " A Life On The Ocean Wave." It's my favorite song.
Journal Entry 3
Dear Diary,
The war is over, and I am so glad that it is! Now, I am hopeful that everyone will leave peacefully. I think the United States can become one united country again. The war has taught me nothing. My opinions and beliefs has not changed at all. I still think this war is bad. It has caused a ton of bloodshed everywhere! This war has caused my son to lose a precious leg, but things could of gotten worse. All I have to say is that, I am glad that the Civil War is over, there is no more bloodshed, and most importantly, my family is back home again, safe from harm!
Jessie Ng Period 5
Fredrick Wood's Journal Entry
Let me describe myself. I am 25 years old, and I'm also a white union soldier. I support the Union in Ohio. I am ranked Infantry. Now that the war begun, I believe that we will defeat the Confederate. I do think that the war is justified and it could have been avoided. I dislike and I'm angry with the slavery. I am excited about being a soldier because I just wanted to fight for my rights. Even though somethings are not the way I want it to be. "Today I did what I did daily. I trained, and marched in hot, dusty roads all day. I was in my dark blue fatigue jacket with a roll down collar four buttons. Also a dark blue forage cap, should belt with cartridge box and waist belt with percussion cap, box and bayonet. Also I was never actually full, and I just eat inadequate food or whatever I carry with me. I slept in my home in camp which was a rectangular piece of canvas buttoned to another to form a small two-people tent called "Dog Tent". I carry canteen weapons like U.S muskets model 1842 and MI842 Musket Lockplate and Hammer.
So much has happened in the past two years. I have been fighting and fighting for my rights, hoping that things will end soon. If you are reading this I am dead. I have faced many prejudice, and I'm also treated very well. My feeling about Emancipation Proclamation which ended slavery is that I'm very very relieved. This war has made my life very difficult . For example, when I'm fighting, i usually think about how I'm not going to make it and see with my own eyes that slavery will end, and also that the union will lose and there will still be slavery. I am usually not full but I do not starve. I don't face other hardships because I get treated well. There are usually shortages in foods. I am worried about my family and want to go home to them, so I can be relieved. At least there are some amusements to help pass the time. For example, i like to play poker with my friends.
Now that the war is over, and i am happy and relieved. I am also very glad because i get to go home. Greatly, i am fortunate that i didn't lose and family members, because I am the only one who went to war. I am also very sad because some of the friends i made during the war were injured or wounded, and they passed away. Now, i am hopeful that there will be no more slavery. In, my next life i hope that there will be hopefully be no war at all because I don't like the thought of war and people fighting and dieing. I also believe that United States will be one united country and that we will all get along. The war has taught me that we have got to fight for our rights and people have to all get along. I have learned many things from the Civil war, like watching out for things that you know will pop up on you, and that we have to fight for what you believe, but sometimes one person can't change everything, and people have got to stick together to make a change.
----Karen Lai 2period
Dear Diary,
It has been a couple of days since the war has started. (January 1861) Let me describe myself. I am a white, female nurse named Clara Barton. I am 43 years old, borned in Massachusetts. I support the Union. " Now that the war has begun, I believe I may be compelled to face danger, but never fear it, and while our soldiers can stand and fight, I can stand and feed and nurse them." Today I healed many men with bloody arms, legs, or the whole body. As much as i see blood, I would stay united with them until the very end! Since blood is often stained on clothes, I wear dark colored dresses with no frills. That helps the stains be less noticeable. I try to heal and feed as much soldiers as possible. Everyone eats the same things with the usual combinations of: salted meat, coffee beans, sugar, hardtack, carrot, nuts, and dried fruits. So much for now, I'll write again when I have time.
Dear Diary,
So much has happened in the past two years. I have pretty much done the same nursing and feeding the soldiers. Some days were harder than others, but that only makes me stronger. One example of harder days were when I had no sleep or food for 2 continuous days and night. Lately, days have been more chaotic. I was almost shot with a bullet when a wounded soldier was in my hands and someone shot a bullet into his upperarm. That made me feel sad for him some other soldiers that died in my hands. We have had days with not enough food and other necessities. Although, at least there are some amusements to help pass the time. For example, I like to listen to music, sing, and listen to other bands play. Now that the country has been at war for two years, I believe that our soldiers would be able to keep up with this until the end since they have been at it for two years already. I'll write again when I have time, goodbye for now.
Dear Diary,
HOORAY! These past four years (1861-1865) of war finally ended on April 18, 1865, and we no longer have slavery. I am extremely happy on this joyus day. 2,500,000 to 2,750,000 men entered the union side of war, but about 360,222 died from the battle and the diseases, etc. I didn't have any friends during this time but i am glad I helped out the soldiers. I did not regret helping nurse and feed them. Now I am hoping that slavery would not come back and we stay united and equal. Also to continue nursing people that are injured. My beliefs and opinions have not changed from the beginning until now.
Fara W. 6th period.
Let me describe myself. I am Kate Roberts. I am a african American woman and I am 21 years old. I live in New York city. I do support the union. Now that the war has begun, I belive I will have a hard time.I think that the war is could have been avoided.I dislike slavery.Salavery makes me feel mad,sad,bad because people are being treated wrong.Today I was being kind curisus about everthing around me. Today I gathered food so that i could have something to eat for the rest of the week. I also gather supplies such as wood a gun to protect my family. I wear layers of clothes. I wear lost of layers of clothes because its cold and I do not want to get sick.I ate very very little today because i needed to save food for my son and needed to save the food for the rest of the week.Me and my son sleep in the tent its not really warm in there but its a good place to sleep. I keep a gun next to me in an emergency.
So much things have happened in the past two years.I have lost my father and my husband.all i have left is my 10year old son. I help the people from the war that are hurt and wounded. And that need lots of attention.The war has made my life very difficult, For example hard to live with out loved ones. Me and my son only have enough to eat for the two of us.Sometimes there are food shortages and other necessities. At least there are some amusements to help pass the time.For example. I like to listen to music. My son sometimes plays games but am to busy to play with my son. I have to work to have food ,I have to work so me and my son can have a shelter. Now that the country has been at war for two years, I believe i will die.
The war is over, and I am happy and sad. I am happy that it ended and my son came back in one piece and sad that i lost my husband at the war.I am very glad that the war is over. At the war i lost my husband. Now I am hopeful that there won't be any other war and my son. Next in my life I am hoping that i can find a better husband.I think that the united states can become a united country again.The war has thought me that you gotta be smart one.Something that i ave learned from the civil war is that war is dumb.
Martha Molina 5
First Entry(beginning of war)
April 15, 1861
"Let me describe myself. I am George W. Bush. I am a white male from Ohio. I am nearly 25 years of age and I support the Union. Now that this civil war of our nation has begun, I believe we all must put an end to slavery. This war just can't be avoided. The south has no sympathy to those poor, poor slaves. Slavery is just unnecessary. I feel very confident to win this war. I am no longer nervous or uncertain. It is time to change history."
June 2, 1861
"Today I witnessed my first battle. I woke up early, around 5 am, put on my uniform, and the captain quickly rushed into my cabin. He told me it was time. I had a quick sip of tea, a bite of bread, grabbed my Gatling Gun and went in. It was the luckiest day of my life so far. Dozens of dead bodies still lay on the battlefield. Luckily, none of those bodies were me."
Second Entry(middle of war)
May 26, 1863
"So much has happened in the past two years. I received higher rank. I am no longer a private, but I am a sergeant. Two years of war and a man's life changes. Almost everyday, I risk my life for our country. I have only been wounded twice, and no bullet has injured me enough to take my life. I am so happy. The Emancipation Proclamation of President Lincoln will finally end slavery."
November 21, 1863
"This war has made my life very difficult. For instance, I haven't seen my family for years. I rarely have enough to eat. I have faced dehydration. There are always shortages of food and necessities. I miss my family everyday. I hope they are all well."
December 13, 1863
"At least there are some amusements to help pass time. For example, I play cards to pass time and often roll die. It is nothing compared to the wonderful activities I do at my home in Ohio. I have a few pastimes too. I listen to a few songs here and there inside my cabin. I still miss the activities I enjoy at my home."
December 19, 1863
"Now that the country has been at war for 2 years, I believe the United States is finally beginning to change. The ending of slavery is near!!!"
Third Entry(end of war)
April 9, 1865
"The war is over, and I am glad. Confederate Commander Lee has surrendered to the Union. I am already on my way back to Ohio and my family."
April 11, 1865
"Now I am hopeful that slavery is over. My army group and I met president Lincoln today. He thanked us for our great underdog victory. I can finally live and know that there are no more slaves suffering horrible slave owners. Once again, we are one nation."
April 20, 1865
"I am back in Ohio! I, George W. Bush, is back with my family! This war has taught me to never give up and you will succeed. I learned to keep in mind that we are all created equal. We are all equals."
Timmy Yu
5th period
April 2, 1861
Dear Diary,
My name is George W. Bush
Today, it was my first day at war. It felt like, every minute, there were always wounded soldiers coming to be cured. This year, I turned 25. I really miss Ohio and, the clothes and food. I wear blue uniforms to protect and myself from gun shots and to also show that i am a soldier from the union. Today, I have eaten biscuits. The General assigned me to sleep in a small tent, which I am sharing with other soldiers. This morning, I saw many soldiers carrying weapons to fight against the confederates.
I felt that this war could've been avoided. One reason is ,I thought, we could've voted on the compromises, whether the North and South agreed on it or not. I felt that Congress did have the right to stop slavery if they wanted to. In my opinion, I think slavery should be abolished because slaves are also humans and they should be treated the same as us.
George W. Bush,
May 19, 1863
Dear Diary,
So much has happened over the past two years. I have seen people die on the battle field and in my arms. I have not seen so many people die in my whole life. Although we had more people than the Confederates, we still lost many soldiers. It is very tiring fighting in a war because a battle could start anytime of the day. Basically, soldiers have to fight every moment of the day. The Confederates can easily attack us if we were off-guard. This war made my life difficult. For example, I had to do everything, including going into the front line of battle. I know... I know... that this is to protect the country but, at times i want rest and go home to my family.
When I am stressed out and I want to relax, I listen to folk music. My daily life is pretty good, but, at times, there is a shortage of food. Now that the country has been at war for two years now, I believe that the war will end in the next couple of years.
April 10, 1865
Dear Diary,
The war is now over. I hope to return to Ohio because I miss my family very much. The Confederates surrendered to us. Now, I hope that there will not be another war like this. The United States will become a united union again.
I bid a farewell to war.
And celebrate our victories as soldiers of Union.
From, Ben Nguyen
Thomas Hang
2/25/09
6th Period
Ms. Halloran
May 1st, 1861
For anyone who finds this and doesn't know me, my name is Adam Wilcox.I might be dead when you find this. The war has just started and I feel confident yet victimized. I feel will survive and unite this country. In my opinion I think slavery is wrong. I am a 24 year old man and I am from the state of New York. I was drafted by the union and got separated from my family. Now that the war has begun, I believe there will be endless bloodshed. I think the war has been justified because the South decided it with slavery. I feel that slavery is nonsense and that barbarians believe in it. I feel victimized that I'm a soldier and confident that the Union will win.
Today all I did was walk. I had a new uniform supplied from the union. I ate some salted meat. I slept on the floor in front of the fire. The only weapons I had was a Cap and Ball Revolver and a hunting Knife.
April 14th, 1863
So much has happened in the past 2 years. I have struggled for survival. I got shot 3 times and recovered from 2 shots only. I fought in 2 skirmishes. I got ranked up from Corporal to First Sergeant. When I was In-Battle it was a living hell. I saw 1/4 of my unit gunned down and I saw my only brother die. This war made my life difficult. For example I nearly starved to death and witnessed my brother's death. I barely had anything to eat in this part of the war. The hardships I faced was starvation and mental issues. Everyone in my unit had barely anything to eat. In my spare time to kill time I play horseshoe. Now that the country has been at war for 2 years, I believe the war is endless. When I actually experienced this war I feel like I'm in an endless hell.
April 16th, 1865
The war has ended and I feel traumatized. My whole unit is gone. I saw all of them die in front of my eyes. I am very happy about the outcome of the war. In the years of the war slavery has been abolished. Everything has a price to it and the price might be grand. Today all I did was salute to the dead unit I have.
October, 1862
Dear Diary,
After eight months of nursing school in Massachusetts General Hospital I am finally able to help the injured soldiers from the war. Right after nursing school, I was placed in charge of fifty soldiers from war at Fort Schuyler Military Hospital on Long Island. Can you believe it, me Emily Elizabeth Parsons after many years of suffering from the scarlet fever that caused me to become somewhat deaf, and the fact that I also have impaired vision is finally able to help the union (The North) in some way. I don't believe in slavery so I choose to become a nurse for the North instead of the South hoping that I can somewhat help the people that are injured in some way. Helping any injured person I come across I have decided to write a letter to Miss Dorothea Dix the superintendent of Union nurses. Offering my services, she has decided to recommend me to the Western Sanitary Commission in St. Louis.
March, 1863
Dear Diary,
A couple of months has passed since the last time that I have written in you. I currently reside in the Lawson Hospital where I have been transferred to from the Western Sanitary Commission. My time there was great although seeing all these injured people pains me I have tried my best in many ways to help them recover.
A few weeks later, it seems that I was assigned as the head nurse at the hospital, Steamer City of Alton. Taking this position is a great deal. Right off the bat I was assigned four hundred injured soldiers already. While being transported here some of them have died. I feel bad, but seeing that I have somehow contracted a disease called "Malaria" I can't do anything right now.
Sadly, a command was received from General Ulysses S. Grant to load the boat with troops and return to Vicksburg, and on that command I and the other nurses have returned to St. Louis. In St. Louis I now work in the Benton Barracks Hospital, the largest of all the hospitals of all. I have worked my best here, in fact because of that I became the superintendent of nurses ignoring the fact that I was still suffering from the attack of the “Malaria fever".
July, 1865
Dear Diary,
It seems that the war have ended long ago. I am happy that I was able to help in some way, but during the last year of the war I was sick in bed cause of the "Malaria fever". I'm sorry to say but I will not be going back to being a nurse any time soon. Instead I may have taken some interest in the Sanitary Fair held at Chicago. My Beliefs are still the same as before. I believe that Slavery is wrong that our country should be one and that the injured should be treated. The injured does not always have a place to be treated so I want to built my own hospital where then they will have another place to heal.
Emily Elizabeth Parsons
* Emily was the daughter of Professor Theophilus Parsons, of the Cambridge Law School and Catherine Amory Chandler born on March 8,1824
* At the age of five she had blinded her right eye and impared her vision in her left eye
* When she was seven she suffered from scarlet fever which led her to be almost deaf
* After the war Emily raised money to establish her own hospital that opened in 1867 in "Cambridge port", moved once but reopened in 1869.
* Her hospital closed in 1871 due to lack of funds
* In May 19, 1880 Emily had a stroke and died, but her deeds will always be remembered
*
o
In Honor of Emily Elizabeth Parsons
To honor Emily, in 1883 Dr. Morrill Wyman bought a 9-acre land and built a hospital called the Mount Auburn Hospital near the Charles River. The building was done in 1863 but the building structure was named The Parsons building in Emily's honor.
After her death her father published her actual correspondence experiences in being a war nurse called the "Memoir of Emily Elizabeth Parsons".
Emily W. 6th period
Let me describe myself. I am a confederate nurse. I am a woman. I am currently 26 years old. I was born in Scotland but then moved to Alabama. I have a father, a mother, a brother, and two sisters. My mom and two sisters moved to England before the war had begun. Me, my brother, and my father stayed home. We enrolled in the confederate army. As for now, we are helping the hospitals buy gathering supplies. Though, they were in need for nursing, so I volunteered. My family wasn't supportive at all.
-KIMBERLY 7TH PERIOD
Dear Journal, August 8, 1862
My name is Charles Hudson. I'm a an African American who got accepted to the war as a soldier. It will be a pleasure serving the union in the war.
My brothers and I finally got accepted into the army. It is an exciting moment because we get to help fight against slavery, something our ancestors didn't have the chance to do. I'm dedicated to fight in the war and to end slavery! After I fled from the Nokesville, Virginia, I guess the next step to take is to fight for the union to end the wraith of slavery. Being in my new home, Alexandria, Maryland, i think its a new start for me as well as my two brothers. I was given a union uniform and a rifle to wield. I will be able to fight very soon.
Charles Hudson
Dear Journal, September 30, 1863
It was just a couple weeks since I fought my fist battle, the battle of Chickamauga. Unfortunately, we the union lost and the confederate took our commander with them. A lot of people died and was wounded in this battle ( about 16,200 unions). I have grown greatly since the war began but I am sill as determined to end slavery.
I have recently got shot in my leg and because of it, I cannot fight for a while. Now, I have more time to rest in between battles. Of course, we have many things to do in between battles as well. In between battles, we do activities to entertain ourselves. We play things like poker, chess and other board games to relieve our boredom.
This was has made my life very difficult. For example, I have to wake up early in the morning when I didn't even get enough sleep yet. I don't even have enough food to eat. We had to face diseases as well. Now that the country has been at war for two years, I believe we can actually win. The union is superior.
Charles Hudson
Dear Journal, February 2, 1866
The war is now over and I am over joyed. I am very glad that the war is over. I lost a lot of friends during the war. Now that the union won, slavery is abolished. I shall now live the rest of my life in freedom and equal to all other. Now, I am hopeful that the country will stay free of slavery. I do think that the United States will now be a united country again.
This was has taught me that you must fight for your freedom. IN the civil war years, I learned how to make my resources last and how to survive in the wild.
I believe this war will be remembered for eternity. I am proud to be apart of history that will live forever. Being able to survive this long makes me think I can survive through anything. Now, I will go live my life being satisfied that slavery is abolished and no more slavery shall come through the future of this country.
Charles Hudson
Victor Chen 7th Period
August 8, 1862
Dear Journal,
It's almost my time for war as we speak. My brothers and I headed out yesterday, and are at seperate parts of the army. I, an African American soldier, at age 21, am fighting for what I believe in. I'm fighting with the Union, against the Confederate, to help win my freedom. I'm from Nokesville, Virginia and is a runaway slave to the north. When I ran away, I fled to Alexandria, Maryland in hopes of not being part of the slave life ever again. The war started last year, and I believe that slavery is wrong. I have high hopes that slavey would be over, but so far, we aren't really beating the Confederate.
I believed that the war could be avoided, but I don't think that the Confederates would learn without teaching them a lesson. As a soldier, I feel kind of queezy about the war, but I'm am glad that I get to have a chance to end slavery. One of my greatest fears is to get captured by the Confederate because they would treat me way worse than white people because I'm a "betrayer."
Yesterday, I trained myself for the army. I did push-ups, ran laps, ate healthy, but today, I am feeling that I needed to train more. I thought that the army was going to put me in training, but it turns out that all the army person did was giving me a uniform and weapon, and said, "You're going out to fight tomorrow." Carrying my rifle and wearing my blue union uniform, I was walking to my tent with many other African American soldiers. While I was walking, I was thinking that if I trained more, I would be more prepared for the war. I was thinking that they would be training us and that I didn't need to over-train myself. Man, I'm hungry! They barely give me anything to eat. But when they do, it's usually just hard crackers or meat. Well, I think I expressed my feelings so far in the war.
Sincerely,
Aaron Hudson
Andy J Huang
Ms. Halloran 7°
Lieut. Charles P. Potts from Pottsville one of the officers of the 151st Regiment at Gettysburg. Charles wrote from July 2nd to July 4th about the days of battle.
Charles marched from Emmitsburg to Gettysburg without a halt and directly into the fight . Careful fighting on both sides. Forces on either side. Our regiment supports a Battery the greater part of a day. Went to the front about 3 o'clock. Rebs outnumbered us two to one. Form line in entrenchments before Seminary. Parts of four regiments in entrenchments held rebs in check for about half an hour. Forced to retire into town. Rebs swing around the town and capture about 5000 officers and men.
In July 2nd, 1863
Lieut Charles was placed in the field about one mile northwest of town. Rebs held in check, but think they will be able to drive our men on the morrow. Guarded by the 17th Va. Infantry, commanded by Col. French. Well treated, and find an old Colonel a gentleman, but no provisions.
In July 3rd, 1863
Batteries in full play. Awful cannonading and musketry Rebs feel bad and look blue. We are not very confident of success. (afternoon) Battle wages with great fury, (night) Great confusion among the rebels. Cattle and trains moving faster then ever. Charles ask the guard what is wrong, he tells me they are going foraging. Charles Don't see much in that light. Ask him if he don't wish himself back in old Va.
He says the days will not be long, and he will be through. Is not in favor of fighting the north. Does not want Yankees to subdue them and confiscate their homes, and dishonor their wives. No rations for three days. Offered parole advised not to accept.
In July 4th, 1863
Glorious old fourth but cannot enjoy it much in my present position no rations, no clothes, but what is on my back, and old half of a blanket. Rebels retreating as fast as possible, through drenching rain. Long train of wagons, containing wounded rebels, household furniture, in fact anything everything that they could carry off, chairs, bed quilts, covers, lids, mowing machines, cythes and their horses decorated with sleigh bells.'
Diary of Susie Taylor, Confederate, Nurse for African American Soldiers.
Dear Diary,
Does life always have to be this hard? I'm still a teenager. An African American young lady, & I'm seeing more & more people die everyday.
I'm thinking about leaving Louisiana. But I'm still not sure if i want to give up this easy. Mama says i should never stop trying, every failure is a success to keep on trying. Its still hard for me to understand. I'm a union war nurse at age 14! I hate violence. This is so horrible. I have never seen so many dead bodies in my life.
That was just morning. After lunch i had to teach some of the male soldiers. Then before Supper i nursed Michael and Jacob. Michael was wounded by his own UNION soldier. Apparently the soldier who shot him claims the gun "accidentally" went off. And Jacob is hanging in there. I don't know if he's going to make it. He suffering from DIPHTHERIA causing ASTHENIA. That's been going around south for a while now.
I wish this doesn't have to be like this. This war is unnecessary. My uncle Jun-Bug staying with the soldiers for a while. He's with the runaway slaves. I hate slavery. Such a harsh & deceiving thing to do. This war could have been avoided easily. I mean who's responsible for this? i believe the young people have a say so in this too. They cant just START a war & expect it to solve something. what will it solve? But my children will never see this. I swear they don't. I'm praying.. but I'll get back to you later diary. Mama says didn't waste no time on amusement only use time for work. Time waits for no one you know. It only worries about itself..
Dear Diary,
I cant believe i still have this thing. Its amazing I've kept so much unsaid these past years. I'm 16 now. And the war hasn't seem to solve anything, As I've said. This week has been planned by the devil himself. Its was horrible. I've never seen so many dead bodies in my life. Its a horrid seen. I'm trying to forget. At such a young age, i think i know more about life than any elderly white male out there. More & More runaway slaves have joined this war. and many never make it out. In the past year I've double shifted on nursing. I only teach twice a week now. The soldiers have no time for learning i believe, all they are focusing on is winning this war.
My life changed a lot. I've made so many sacrifices that the Good Lord shall set me free in a matter of time. I have no time for eating. I only feed the needed & help nurse the soldiers. I'm healthy but these people need more tender love and care than i do. there's not much food to go around. I just finished feeding Jacob. I think he's doing a lot better. Pretty soon he'll be able to get up and feed himself again. Its a matter of time. We've became close. He tells me that the war will better me. I didn't believe him. I can only hope.
Dear Diary,
Its only been a year. But I've developed a new liking. Poetry. It soothes my soul. Here's one of my favorite re-sites.
Look around! By the torchlight unsteady
The dead and the dying seem one --
What! Trembling and paling already,
Before your dear mission's begun?
These wounds are more precious than ghastly --
Time presses her lips to each scar,
While she chants of that glory which vastly
Transcends all the horrors of war.
My husband wrote that to me. He is battling right now, in the war. I love him so much. He's helped my confidence & self-respect.
Jacob says a man that lives to be 100, stays healthy and happy by a woman who loves him a lot. That promised me that we will
grow old together. Jacob always gives me great advice. He's walking now. I'm sure he will be able to get through this. Michael died last year. After his first bullet wound he served back with the UNIONS. in the battle of Gettysburg he saved his lieutenant by taking a bullet
for him. That Michael was so brave. i really miss him! Me and Jacob re-site our prayers for all the gone every night. I've had a real rough day. I cant stop reading the letter my husband sent me. He says when this is over we will go back to the Savannah!
I cant do nothing but wait..
Dear Diary,
I'm wise. I'm Phenomenal. I'm a woman. A strong woman. I've lived my life to its fullest potential. I'm happy. I'm blessed. I made it.
So that's it. The war is over. It's only been a couple of months. I'm taking my life a lot better than I have. These past couple of years are
memories of a lifetime. I've learned so much. I've grown so much. I am much more. I'm hopeful. I pray everyday. My beautiful son, can depend
on me. One day he will grow old with no such of worry in the world. Not like i had to. God bless his father's soul. He was a good man. I will remind
my son, of his father everyday. How he did this for him and for me. Dying for the sake of his side. For his life. We will move on. We are back at the Savannah. Like my husband promised us. This war, This life, has made a difference. Not only in my life, but in the world's. It has taught us we couldn't solve anything. WHAT did we solve? Millions gone, Millions forgotten? Millions risking they're lives, for the sake of they're country's? And the love of they're family's? What did we learn?
I hated this war. I wont regret this life span though. I learned from it. One day this country will
be free. One Day. Now I'm hopeful. All the soldiers I've nursed, and taught, and learned from. The Runaway slaves I've helped. And all of the gone I've prayed for. I am hopeful. Jacob always told me that whenever you can feel to give up..DON'T! Think of your family, the reasons you HAVE to live for. Think of why GOD put you on this earth. I tell my son that all the time. I pray in Jacob's name. He passed away after the war. I had thought he was getting better, but then i realized he had gotten worse. I love Jacob. GOD bless his soul and may he rest in peace. I've learned
SO MUCH these past years. THIS war taught me something I can never learn from a school book or a teacher. I've grown.
Rayneeka >:] 2nd period
Amy H. 2nd period 3/12
First Entry (beginning of war)
Let me describe myself. I am a white farm wife, living in Pennsylvania. I'm 20 years old and i support the Confederate. Now that the war has begun, I believe that it should stop. I think it's a justified war because it will help stop slavery but I have to work and take care of my children by myself. I don't hate and i don't like slavery because so it should end but sometimes i dream to be rich enough to buy some. Today I was praying, farming then i started to sew for my soldier friends. I was wearing my petticoat in the morning but at the evening I changed into my long dress. For breakfast I baked bread, for lunch I ate peperhaste, and for dinner i ate vegetables from the farm. After I ate dinner I went to sleep on my bed.
Second Entry (middle of war)
So much has happen these past two years. The war is still on,it's longer than i excepted. This war had made my life very difficult. For example, my children and I don't have enough to eat because the Union soldiers tried to burn it. So that means I'm short on food. I'm missing my husband because he is at war. I hope he's okay and not hurt, its been a difficult time now without him. At least there are some amusments to help me pass time. For example, I like to listen to folk music. My favorite song is "Beautiful Dreamer", my favorite lyric of the song is 'Starlight and dewdrops are waiting for thee;Sounds of the rude world, heard in the day,Lull'd by the moonlight have all pass'd away!' Now that the country has been at war for two years, I believe that this war is not a good idea anymore just becuase it's long and I dont think we will win anymore.
Third Entry (end of war)
The war is over an I'm glad. I'm sad that we lost but it's okay. My husband died during the war so I don't know how I feel about that. Now I am hopeful that there will be no wars for my my sons to be in. I think that United States will be one united country again. The war has taught me that things don't always go the way you want it to go. And i definitly don't want another war.
Dear America,
I am Ronald McDonald and 31 years old.I am a soldier fighting for black rights in America.I come from Michigan fighting for the Union side.Now that this war has begun,I believe that we should still fight the Confederates.As for my thoughts of slavery,it is very cruel to any human being.Being a soldier,has taught me to defend my rights as an African-American.Today I fought in the battle of Gettsyburg.Being very tired I didn't have much time to put on any clothing,so I got out of the tent.After the battle I went back to camp to eat salted meat.
So much has happened in the past two years.I have been injured by being stabbed in the arm.Being in battle has been very dangerous and serious.It has thought me to rely on my allies.This war has made my life very difficult.For example,being in danger almost all the time.Eating has now been very difficult because we have started to run out of food.Yet,I try to save food and help my comrades eat.Now that we've been at war for two years,I believe going to war has been a waste of food,weapons,and men.
The war is now over,and I am depressed from killing so many of my fellow Americans.I am very glad that the war is over with.Thankfully,I lost none of my family or friends.I plan to retire from being a soldier soon.The war has taught me to it is hard for soldiers in war.
Dear Diary,
My name is Alice Williamson, a sixteen year old girl living in Tennessee. It's the beginning of the war.. I work at home. I wear long dress which all the women and girls are wearing. I like to listen to folk songs! For breakfast, I eat sausage,apple, and drink tea. For lunch, I eat cocoa shells,stew, and muffins. I eat chocolate for snack. For dinner, I eat cake pickles,beef jerky, apple, and drink tea. After I finish eating my breakfast, I started to do chores. After all the hard working, I read books or I'll go chat with my friends.I think fighting is a ridiculous way to solve a problem. I don't think it was necessary because can't we just solve a problem in peace? As the Civil War begin, I always worry about my husband and my son. I am worry about them if they are injury, or dead..
Name:K.C. 2nd period
Dear Journal,
Putting on my Soldier uniform, i felt as if i were entering a new world. Excited, yet scared and frightened. The names Jacob Brooks. Being a Union soldier is a great honor. I'm against slavery, so this war will be like I'm fighting for freedom. My daily life is pretty plain, war is not just about guns and killing our enemies, its mostly about what you're fighting for. I was eating my canned peaches, halfway done, someone called me out to get my rifle ready and start heading out for action. We were hiding in the bushes, watching an enemy come to ambush us. We had set a bomb where he was walking. I really hate to see people die, even if they are the enemy. Its completely horrifying. When he said one foot on that surface on top of the bomb, I closed my eyes. I did not want to see another body exploding. That's the fifth one today.
When I was playing dominoes with my fellow soldiers, Captain Gump was just watching us play. It felt awkward since he's always yelling at me for nothing. I won. For the FIRST TIME! Captain was very surprised at my expression. As soon as I get up to rub it in their faces, my friend hears something in the bushes. I went to look this distraction, it was a bomb! Captain quickly ran to it and threw it as far as he could. A stupid idea it was, but the only thing to do. After the bomb exploded we rushed to get our uniforms and rifles. This is just like the other days. Tiring right?
I shot a lot of men, letting them eat my dust. We need to know what this victory feels like. Like ending slavery, and creating peace. Another shot. one after another. It feels horrible, but this is what I need to do. To protect everyone.
Dear Diary,
I am Alice Williamson, a sixteen years old girl. I'm living in Tennessee. I wear long dresses just like the other girls and women do.I eat apples, pickles and drink tea in the morning. I eat cocoa shells, muffins and sausage for lunch. The snack I eat is chocolate. I eat cake, stew and cocoa for dinner. After I finish eating, I will work on the chores, and I will read books after wards. I like to listen to folk songs. During the war, everybody is running around, because they were scared and they don't know what to do. I think fighting is a ridiculous way to solve a problem, they should solve a problem with peace. I worry about my family during the war, I don't want them to get wounded.
A.Y 2nd Period
First Entry: Beginning of the War
Since this will be an unforgivable battle, I've decided to take the liberty of writing a journal to describe everything I shall encounter, for the Civil War is going to be a remarkable war in the history of the United States of America.
Let me start by introducing myself. My name is Phantasmagoria Dream. My parents gave me this name hoping I'd be able to give others a dream to work for. Because of this name, I've dedicated my life to helping others. That's why I decided to become a nurse, so I can save many from dying. Being a nurse is no fun, especially if you're a woman. Men don't think much of women nowadays; they think we're totally useless. The way they treat slaves, it reminds me of how we, as women, are treated. That's why I hope to bring an end to slavery, by helping the Union and nursing all their soldiers back to great health. I may be only 25 years old, but don't think little of me. I come from a family of doctors who are quite famous in our little town in California. I have been able to heal cuts, wounds, and light injuries since the age of five. Since a young age, I've been tutored by on family members on various ways to treat diseases and illnesses. I hope my knowledge would be of great help to the poor soldiers who are so desperately fighting for the freedom of our people.
Slavery is just plain wrong, and we should all fight to abolish it. Since those lazy Southerners insist on having others do their jobs for them, they would not give up slavery and start working again. The only way to abolish slavery is to fight. Only through war, would slavery finally be outlawed. I hope with all my heart that one day, I would be able to look at the people of our country:whites, blacks, and others, to work together, equal, under the eyes of god.
Today was one of the most busiest days of my career as a nurse. We fought the Battle of Gettysburg in Pennsylvania. Led by George G. Meade, our soldiers fought bravely against the Confederates. Luckily, we won. It was a great sign, a sign that told us that victory was within our reach. Though the South lost more men than we did, we still had a lot of men who were either killed or injured. There was so much blood that even my plain brown dress seemed red to me. Everywhere I looked, I saw blood, corpses, and victims of bombs, knives, and swords. I tended to the wounded with great care, and as I worked, I hoped. I hoped that the injured would be okay. I hope that my family would be okay. And I hope, on top of everything else, that all those good at heart would be blessed by god.
Seeing so much gave me a horrible appetite. I couldn't bear to enjoy a feast when there were men dying of diseases and wounds. After much internal struggle, I finally gave in. People need me, and I can't let myself to die of starvation. I helped myself to a piece of hardstack and some meat. I then went back to my two-man tent which I slept in all to myself. All the nurses each have their own tent, all near the field hospital for convenience, just in case anything happens during the night. I think I ought to go to sleep now. I have to be ready for a long, hard day tomorrow.
Phantasmagoria Dream
Esalyna L., 5th Period
July 8th, 1861
Dear Diary, My name is John W. Chew from California. Few months ago, war broke out between us the North and the South. We were once such a peaceful and united country. Because of the economic differences, the election of President Lincoln, and slavery had us separate apart. On April 12, the Confederate forces led by General P.T. Beauregard opened fire on Fort Sumter. Clearly, this is a sign of war. President Lincoln quickly ask for volunteers to fight in the war, and I am one of the volunteers. I fight for the Union side because I believe that slavery is wrong and should be abolish. Although I am a white man, but when I see the Southerner's cruel treatment toward the slaves, I feel angry. No one can take away other peoples' freedom and rights just because of their color. I want to fight for slavery, I want the South to end slavery. That's why I want to join the army and be a soldier, although it may risk my life, but I fight for the people, I fight for equal treatment and civil rights. However, life as a soldier wasn't as adventurous and as fun as I thought.
When I am not fighting, I will drill on battle techniques and strategies with the other soldiers. Other than that, I make meals, do laundry, cut firewood and write letters to my family. Sometimes, we will sit around the campfires and sing songs and tell stories. At night, I sleep in a tent made of canvas, it's so small that some of the soldiers' joked that only dogs can crawl under there. I think that's why they called it the "dog" tent. The most unbearable thing is the food. Mostly, we eat meat, fruit and vegetables are so rare in here that I didn't eat any fruits or vegetables since I came here. Most food is salty, I think that's to keep the food last longer. I am most exciting about the uniforms and weapons, because it's something that represent me, a soldier who risk his life to fought for civil rights. I wear a dark blue frock coat to mid thigh, and a single breasted coat. Usually, I carry guns, knives, and swords just in case personal combats happen. During battles, we will use large cannons. Now, I am going to write some letters to my family, I miss them so much.
K.Zhao 5th period
Darline N.
Period 2
Dear Journal,
Putting on my Soldier uniform, i felt as if i were entering a new world. Excited, yet scared and frightened. The names Jacob Brooks. Being a Union soldier is a great honor. I'm against slavery, so this war will be like I'm fighting for freedom. My daily life is pretty plain, war is not just about guns and killing our enemies, its mostly about what you're fighting for. I was eating my canned peaches, halfway done, someone called me out to get my rifle ready and start heading out for action. We were hiding in the bushes, watching an enemy come to ambush us. We had set a bomb where he was walking. I really hate to see people die, even if they are the enemy. Its completely horrifying. When he said one foot on that surface on top of the bomb, I closed my eyes. I did not want to see another body exploding. That's the fifth one today.
When I was playing dominoes with my fellow soldiers, Captain Gump was just watching us play. It felt awkward since he's always yelling at me for nothing. I won. For the FIRST TIME! Captain was very surprised at my expression. As soon as I get up to rub it in their faces, my friend hears something in the bushes. I went to look this distraction, it was a bomb! Captain quickly ran to it and threw it as far as he could. A stupid idea it was, but the only thing to do. After the bomb exploded we rushed to get our uniforms and rifles. This is just like the other days. Tiring right?
I shot a lot of men, letting them eat my dust. We need to know what this victory feels like. Like ending slavery, and creating peace. Another shot. one after another. It feels horrible, but this is what I need to do. To protect everyone.
Chris D.
Period 2
Dear diary,
I am Bennett Dover. I'm a 32 year old African-American.
I live in the state Kentucky. i am from the North and I
support the Union. I think that the war is justified because
the South otherwise known as the Confederacy supports
slavery. I personally think no one deserves or has to be a
slave.This could have been avoided if the Confederacy didn't
use slaves just for cotton picking.I became a soldier because
I want to stop slavery.Today i will go to war to help stop
slavery.I am wearing my Union uniform which is a dark blue frock
hanging to mid-thigh. I have my sword on the leftside of my waist
and a rifle hanging on my back.I had just finished my dinner which
was a dried biscuit with some meat. We do drills/training doing our
our free time. After that we sleep in the barracks or tents.
I went to the war as a pvt. I had just fired my weapon at one of
Confederates. Then,thinking strangely, i took a bush and placed it
to the side so i wouldn't get shot in the crossfire and surprisingly a
guy on the confederate's side stood next to the bush i was in and
began to aim at one of friends. I responded by stabbing him with my
sword. Then i proceeded to drag his dead body to the bush, but doing
this has exposed my body so a Confederate shot me in the arm. I stepped
out because of my injury.This war has made my life very difficult.For example,
the friends i made while serving the military died in the battle. At least the entertainment
didn't change. I still enjoyed the instrumentals!
Finally the war is over. I'm glad it's over because slavery is no more and no
one must die.I lost many of my friends because of this one but they will
not be forgotten. Now that slavery has ended, i hope to enjoy the rest of my
life. I hope to raise a family, make a living at live life to the fullest. I think the
South will need time to adjust to the new rules about slavery, but eventually the
US will become one united country.The war has taught me that sometimes in life,
the ends justifies the mean.
Jason W.
Period 1
Dear diary,
My name is Andrew B. Chew. I am a caucasian man from Illionios.
I'm 37 years old and I support the Union. Now that the war begun, I
believe that I should help fight to end slavery. Slavery makes me feel
bad. I'm not excited to be a soldier because I could died any time.
Today I will go to war to end slavery, so everyone could be free.
I wore dark blue frock coats hanging to mid thigh. I live in the tents and
ate dry food. I carry a musket on my back, a sword on my left , and a hand gun
on my right.
I got wounded during a battle. A soldier help me up and took me to a
safe spot. The war has made life very difficult. For example, I got wounded.
I didn't get enough to eat. Another hardship I face is not getting to go
hone to visit my family. I want to go visit my family. I listen to music and play
games to pass time. The name of song is called " Well sing to abe our
song!" and the game is gambling. Now that the country has been in war for 2
years, I believe it's going to end and we're going to defeat the south and
the slaves will be free.
" The war is over, and I am alive." I'm really glad that the war is over because
I can now go home and stay with my family and also no more slavery. I'm hoping
there won't be anymore war happening. I believe the United States can become
a united country again. I have learned warring is dangerous, boring, and people
get injure and killed everyday in war.
1 – 1 of 1
Diary of the confederate soldier. By: Jessie... Diary of the confederate soldier. By: Jessie N.
Dear diary, two years into the war and I'm tired of it. The date is July 20, 1861. The first day stepping into the battlefield as a confederate soldier felt like it was the right thing to do. The reason I joined the war was because I felt it was right to fight for my country. Now I know that this was a waste of time. Leaving my loved ones was the biggest mistake I've ever done. But fighting for my country and what I thought was right felt right. Black people were meant to be slaves. They had no rights because there was a low population of them.
Today is July 29, 1861, As a twenty seven year old, I stepped in the battlefield as a big, muscular, and intelligent man. I knew what to do and where to go. Going into the war I have gotten shot three times, stabbed in the chest, and beaten to close death. But even so, I've fought for my country to the fullest. Everyday I've starved and it was rare when I ate. When I was hungry I would eat my own boots. I carried two pistols around and a sword by my waist. I didn't have any clothes so I wore whatever was necessary to survive. Me and my fellow soldiers would sing about our day and play rock paper scissors to past time.
July 31, 1862. Now that the war is over I feel like I have chosen the wrong side. Slaves are just people like us. They should have the rights that we, the white people have. I'm glad that the war is over, but what I fought for is what i regret. Now that i left my loved ones I don't think they will want me back. They have told me from the beginning, "If you leave then don't come back." I've chosen the path of war and not love. Now I have nobody, time to start a new life.
Ken T.
Period 2
Dear diary,
"Let me describe myself. I am B.B Washington", I am an white
male and lives in Virginia. I support the union. Now that the war has
begun,I believe I should fight for my country. This war is justified. I'm
excited being a soldier but a little bit scared.
"Today I trained for combat training." I practice using a sword.
I wore old clothes with old shoes and old socks. I ate meat and dried
biscuit. I drank only coffee. The weapons i had only were knives and
swords, firearms such as handguns, rifled-muskets.
"So much has happend in the past two years. I have been
wounded with a gunshot to the leg. Our soldier's fighting in the battle.
A lot of soldiers were wounded everywhere. The hospital was crowded
and saw blood squirting everywhere.
"This war has made my life difficult. For example, two bullets in my
leg for my country." We are running out of food supply. My mother is
waiting for me at home also she has a sickness. The hardships that i faced
was sleeping in areas that war hard and there wasn't no toilet or baths.
"At last there are some amusements to help pass the time. For example,
like to go fishing but it is a watse of time. don’t listen to music but I like
to play games especially poker."The war is over,and I am great to see my mom.
"Now I am hopeful that I'm now going back to my home state. I am glad that
the war is over because there is no more killing in the same country. I hope that
the U.S will improve and that there will be no more civil wars. The war has taught
me that civil wars are horrible because we are fighting against each other.
Erik M.
Period 2
Dear Diary,
Hello, let me introduce myself. My name is John Dope. I am a male white soldier serving in the Union Army. I live in the state of Kentucky.
Now that the war has begun, I believe that the war should have never started. In my opinion, I think the war couldn't have been avoided. There was so much slavery in the South that something was bound to happen. That was pretty much the business in the South. What even made it worst was the South even decided to secede and make its own country. I have negative feelings of slavery. I think its wrong to have slavery. That is just an awful way to treat people. I am excited of being a soldier and serving in the war. I wanted to be a soldier to represent the North and end slavery. I'm a bit scared of going to war because I might die. It could be of many things including disease and death in war.
Today i ate sugar, coffee, dried biscuits, and meat. Today I did not do much. I was pretty bored so to relieve my boredom I played with dominoes, played cards, chess games, and dice. I wore many clothes for my uniform. For my undergarments I wore, drawers, spectacles, socks, and a beard. For my foundation garments I wore shoes, trousers, and a vest. For my everyday garments I wore a sack coat and a forage cap. On the outside, I wore a knapsack, canteens, and a fry pan/spatula. I had limited time to sleep so I was awake most of the time. The weapons I carry were a selection of Union pistols. I also carried a musket and a bayonet.
So much has happened in the past two years. I have suffered a bad wound after getting shot in the war. Since I was a soldier I fought in the war. Let me describe how I got the wound in the war. We were in the middle of a battlefield fighting against the Confederates. I had good cover behind a bush ready to fire. No one noticed me. All of a sudden when I shot out of the bush and killed a few people. I had a large wound in my shoulder.
This was has made my life very difficult. For example, we did not have enough to eat since we shared meals. The hardships, I might face were running low on food and having to not see my family for a while since I was serving in the war. There were shortages in the war because there was so much soldiers serving in the war to have equal food for everyone.
At least there are some amusements to help pass the time. For example I like to listen to music. Some kinds/genres include piano music and solo instrumental music. I might play with some cards and dominoes.
Now that the country has been at war for two years. I believe that I did my part in serving for the country. I am proud that I did. I did plenty of drills during the war. I had some good times in the war relieving boredom with friends/mates.
The war is over, and I am glad that is is. This will make a huge step in ending slavery. Unfortunately, I lost some of my war friends. I lost a few.
Now I am hopeful that the next few decades of my life hopefully there will be peace. I still do not think the United States will be one until about a few years from now. I think this because the South might still be mad about their defeat.
The war has taught me that you do not have to settle everything by going to war. My beliefs have changed about going to war for everything.
Leon L.
Period 2
Journal Entry
Date: March 18, 1865
Name: Lee A. K.
Rank: Cpt
Regiment: 44th Regiment, Louisiana Infantry
Dear dairy,
Let me describe myself, I am an cauasian that do not want to see american blood spilled on american soil. I wasraised in Louisiana. So I'm fighting for the confederates.The side I'm fighting for might not be right, but it is where I am born and raised, so I will fight to defend my friends andfamily. I ride a black horse, I didn't name him because if he diesI won't want my personal feelings to get in my way. I carry a standard springfield musket, and a custom Le Mat Revolver.
Now that the war began I believe I don't want the war. I don't like war. I don't like seeingmen getting killed, but this is the only way to shape our future. If I don't don't fight I will die, and I don't think there is a way to avoid the war. My personal feelings about slavery is that it's not right.
I'm not to excited about being a soldier because I see people die everyday. I became a soldier because I can do the right thing, but not this, I don't wanna kill americans.
Today I killed/injured about 20 union soldiers. One of them asked me a funny question, he asked why I fight for the confederate. He said that slavery is wrong and if confederates win other cauasians will soon become slaves. Then before he could say anything else, another confederate soldier killed him. Afterwards I thought about it, and I decided to suicide bomb the Confederate Office of Intelligence. I packed up grenades and other explosives. I got a demolistionist to build me a timebomb, he didn't question my authorities With my rank, I was authorized to get any weapons I wanted, but I brought the usual weapons that I use in war. I went to the confederate building. I saw my friends, they greeted me with hellos. I felt sad that they were gonna die. I walked through the hall way people staring at me wondering why I bought my weapons with me in such a secure building. I went into the room where all the files were kept. There were no one in there but me. I planted my timebomb and set it to 30 minutes. I sat and waited. It's been about 20 mins now. I took out my profile and looked at my informations....I'm going to put my journel in a firesafe. This is my last sentence, Good bye.
Halimah D
period 2
Dear diary,
Let me introduce myself, I am Andrew Hamilton and I am a white union soldier living in California. Being a soldier is scary because everyday I feel like my life is at risk. Yet I am happy and confident that I am fighting in this war because I'm fighting for justice and the freedom of slavery. Everyday I'm in a world where there's no time to relax. Although, I risk my life and I'll fight for justice. It's the year 1862, and I know that today will be the day where we'll make a difference. Today , captain Joe Smith told us to finish eating our breakfast and clean up our tents. We put our uniforms on and head out for battle. We wore our forage caps with black leather visors, a dark black sack coat, and leather brogans.
So much has happened in the past two years. It's been busy lately. We've been having back and fourth battles with the confederate soldiers. One day when we were having an intense battle with the confederate soldiers, it was never ending. It's like "boom boom boom!" I was so scared I ran for shelter. Then all of a sudden I hear silence. When I looked up, so many of our soldiers were either wounded or dead. I felt shocked and disapointed. But I was happy that I'm still alive. We now work hard and fight for revenge to get back our rights.This war had made my life difficult . For example, most of our soldiers are either hurt or dead. Some of our soldiers can still fight but not many. Our food has decreased and the only thing that we can still eat is molded bread and rotten fruits. At this point of time I feel like quitting but yet my purpose isn't yet fullfilled. Besides the battle, there are some amusements to help pass time. For example, I like to sing along the campfire and sing folk songs.
The war is over, and I am sad I didn't get to fight as much as the other men did. Now I don't know when or where people will have freedom. I'm glad that the war is over but yet more is still to come. Now I am hopeful that our pride will still continue. I am hoping that slaves will soon have their freedom! I believe the United States will become one united country again. This war has taught me that always try your best and never give up!
Qihua H.
5th period:
John Smith :
April 20, 1861
I am John Smith. I'm writing this as a Union soldier on the the first day of training. I signed up about a month ago and here I am. it is now 1861 and I am looking forward to aiding our country. I am now 23 years old and I'm from Missouri. I'm a Union soldier and fighting for the North to end slavery. On the first day, I didn't know anyone but when we were working with weapons, i met Daniel Le. Hes a man from New York with a wife and kids. i envy him. After a hard day of training, we changed out of our uniform, which was blue and got into my comfort clothes. I met Daniel in the dinning table and we had supper. We ate bread, milk, cheese, meat, and friut. It was an okay supper.
February 6, 1862
After a year of harsh training, it was time for our first battle. It was the battle in Tennessee, we captured Fort Henry and ten days later, we captured Fort Donelson. After we won, we celebrated with a so-called feast, there wasn't that much food. It was a great success and we are all relieved.
May 1, 1863
Two years have passes and we're in the middle of the war in Chancellorsville. It is night time and this is the only time i am able to write. The war was harsh and many people were killed. I was wounded in the arm but it wasn't serious. I've got a bad a bad feeling whats going to happen tomorrow...
May 10, 1863
Nine days later, I could finally write in my journal. My friend Daniel Lee was badly wounded and i am worried for him, but I'm glad the battle was over. Daniel was stabbed i the stomach and got an infection. I stayed by his side all night...
June 21, 1863
As I was next to Daniel, he was secretly writing in his journal, i knew today was his last day. I didn't want him to go but i can't do anything to stop it nor help. I promised him that I would give his journal to his wife after he pasted away... We were listening to "The Battle cry of Freedom" when he slipped away...
May 1, 1865
The war has finally ended and we won. I was depressed but also relieved. Moving on is important and one ending means another beginning...
giovanni
5
Dear journal, June 2O 1962,
Let describe my self. I am Antonio garcia, Im a 27 year old Caucasian male.Im a native to California and in the Union army.
Now that the war has begun,I believe that the union army will be victorius.
I believe that this war could not be avoided and it would have happened anyways.
This war would have happened because the slaves would have wanted their freedom over the years so its
right that were solving this problem now. That a reason I became a soldier for the union army to fight for others rights
that cant do anything about it.
Today was a training day my partners and I were practicing with our swords.
we had to be up early in the morning at around 4 am to eat breakfast and to begin our morning run.
we wore our training unifrom then we change to our battle gear. oUr practice ended at 6 pm and then it was time for bedi set my swords aside and fell asleep in the tent.
So much has happened in the last two years, I have been going into war atleast 3 times a week and only 3 to 4 days of rest.
During war I was injured, I was shot in the arm and had one week of healing and rest.
This war has made my life really difficult. For example I have not been able to see my family in over two years.
We barelly eat now food is scarce we only eat a certain portion every two days. The battle field hasnt been easy eather, the confederate
army is not giving up and they are not going easy. All this is hard but atleast their is some things to help pass time. For example I play
chess with some other soldiers and have some competitions. We are always listening to some weir music that I dont like and playing card games. Now that we have been in war for two years, I believe that we the union army is going to win.
The war is over and Im so glad that the union army is the winner of the war. Im really glad the war is over because now we can go back to my family. The war left lots of people dead and some of those people were my friends. Now I am hopefull that I am back home safe and still alive only with an injured arm but ok. Now everybody has freedom and have more rights and the states are united again. The war has taught me that nothing is easy in life and things are not just given to you. Now im really happy and hope that nothing like that happens again.
L. Chen
5th period:
Daniel Lee:
April 20,1861
Let me describe my self, my name is Daniel Lee. I am a man from New York. I'm 23 years old with a wife and children. I have joined the Unions as a soldier to fight against slavery.While i was in training today, i met a man, his name is John Smith. He got great hope of winning the war and so do i...
Feb 6, 1862
After a year of training, I'm going to my first battle. It was at Tennessee. On this day we captured Fort Henry, so we had a feast. Though we call it a feast, there wasn't much to eat. We ate fruit, bread, cheese, milk, and meat. John and I even had a few drinks together...
May 10, 1863
Two years have passed and we're in the middle of the war. Nine days ago i was in a battle in Chancellorsville, i was stabbed in the stomach, and i believe i got an infection... Even though the pain was unbearable, i am glad that my good friend John was by my side.
June 21, 1863
The pain got worse and worse over the past few days. I know my time is very short so i will now take the time to write my good bye letter...
I have a very bad cold from the infection. I can barely write... I asked John to please give my journal to my dear wife. This is for them: If i don't make it, i just want you to know i love you and the kids very much. I'm very sorry that i let you, the children, and my country down. I'm sorry... And to my good friend John thank you for being my friend and watching my back till the end... Good- Bye..
Winnie X. and Jennia D.
Period 5
April 12, 1861
Dear Diary,
Hi, I am Bob Bob and was born in Kansas and I am part of the Union. I am an African-American male born in 1838. I don't think the war could have been avoided because the south would have been arguing about slavery for a long time and it would have ended up in war anyways.I didn't want to be in the war but i was forced to by my parents. Before the war all we did was drills, eat, and sleep. Now we sleep in tents 3 people per tent but we can't really sleep there right now since we have to be prepared for war at any time. Before my parents sent me off to war I used to just stay home or go to my friend's house but we all joined the Union. My parents were glad that I finally did something other than eat, sleep, and play.
Bob Bob
April 25, 1862
Dear Diary,
It's been quite some time since I last wrote in here because I've been busy in the war lately. If I wasn't fighting I was sleeping, and if I wasn't in the war or sleeping I was walking to war. It was really difficult fighting especially when we had to run back because we have to watch where we are running and watch out for everything being shot at us. We don't have as much free time anymore since we are in the war an all. I felt that I needed to write this in case I die or anything happens to me, especially because this is an important part in history. I personally think this war should end now because I'm getting really tired lately and we are losing too many people on each side. People have been dying from the measles lately and it's killing too many of us. Even when my friends and I have been wounded we continue to fight because we want to win this fight.
Bob Bob
Beginning of the war
April 14,1861
Let me describe my self.I am a soldier,Lee John.I am a 26 years old white man.I am from Californian.I joined the union to fight because I think the slavery is wrong.
Now that the war has begun,I believe that slavery should be abolished, because the Southerners no right to own another people being.The Southerners can't used the slavery to help them to work.They can't judge any skin color and any different language.I feel bad and sad of slavery,they have no free to say no.Why I want to be a soldier,because I want to stop the slavery.
Today is April 14,1861,it was my first day at the war,I feel so hungry and I feel that I am going to die soon.I saw my uniform is full of blood,I feel scared.I hope the war will end and the slavery will free.
I sleep in a rectangular piece and a small two-man tent or a so called"dog tent."I usually eat a lot of meat and bread,salted pork,rice,peas,and beans.I worry about a lot of diseases like fever and consuption.
K. Zhou 5th Period
S.Jones
5th
Let me describe myself I am David o. Adams.
My Regiment name is indiana cavalry, I am on the union side and my company of the Regiment in which I served is A.My rank in which I served upon entering the regiment is Teamster,my rank out which I served upon leaving the regiment. But I don't have a Alternate name everyone just called me David.I have two kids a boy in a girl they are twins in there names are Kayla Adams, David Jr.
I am very happy that my team was a success because I got to go home to my family.Now that im back I am able to make up the 4 years I was gone because my wife was doing all the work while I was gone now that im back she is on a big break, I do all the work now I cook, clean in wash all the clothes.And my children are 4 years old in a hand full.But I love then dearly.
After the war I went back home with my family I was very thankful of that because alot of people did not make it out of the war.Everybody was very happy to see me when I got home my family had a big party with all my old friends.I had alot of fun at the get together,I almost died alot of times I think about it alot in is very thankful for gods ways.
However,I will miss all of my friends in the war they were very good friends.When ever I needed anything they where always there for me.
Andy L.
5th period
Kaz's Journal Entrys
Dear journal, April 6 1860
Well I was told to write a journey to get keep from getting bored so you could guess this is my first entry. I had another day of scouting in the fields and well nothing happened expect a bird that hit me with well you don't want to know. Well I only got a few more days of this so yeah. I'll be back later to write again.
Dear journal, April 9 1860
Today I was told to change my post to guard duty, so as I am writing right now
I'm on guard duty at this time. I was staving so I secretly left guard to get something and got some wheat bread which was pretty good in till Sgt. came by and ask. 'hows guard duty Kaz?' and I said while eating '*mumbling* I was just watching the gate' Sgt.'uhmm alright than get back to work.' Well that was for today, be back tomorrow.
Dear journal, April 10 1860
Today was just another day at guarding the gates but I also got another team to support the guard duty so it wasn't lonely no more. We play another game of Texas hold'me and I must say it a hard game to learn, but other than that I had a good time during this day just hope this peace would last longer...
Dear journal, April 13 1860
We just got a new patch of new recruits and well I was just watching them from the guard post and I must say it brings back flashback when I was just a recruit and a private. I'm still am just that I've learn more a should get more than this rank.
Dear Journal, April 19 1860
I've been busy the past few days and have loads of reasons why. Let me tell you the big reason why, well only like two or three. First, I was meeting new recruits and I must say they are really cool and friendly. Second is that I was off training since I was on guard duty for so long. Well I think thats the only two big reasons why I was off.
Dear Journal, April 21 1860
Well this is going to be one heck of a long time before I get could write this so I'm not going to be writing anymore for a while. Just wanted to write that.
Sharome J.
5th
Let me describe myself I am David o. Adams.
My Regiment name is indiana cavalry, I am on the union side and my company of the Regiment in which I served is A.My rank in which I served upon entering the regiment is Teamster,my rank out which I served upon leaving the regiment. But I don't have a Alternate name everyone just called me David.I have two kids a boy in a girl they are twins in there names are Kayla Adams, David Jr.
I am very happy that my team was a success because I got to go home to my family.Now that im back I am able to make up the 4 years I was gone because my wife was doing all the work while I was gone now that im back she is on a big break, I do all the work now I cook, clean in wash all the clothes.And my children are 4 years old in a hand full.But I love then dearly.
After the war I went back home with my family I was very thankful of that because alot of people did not make it out of the war.Everybody was very happy to see me when I got home my family had a big party with all my old friends.I had alot of fun at the get together,I almost died alot of times I think about it alot in is very thankful for gods ways.
However,I will miss all of my friends in the war they were very good friends.When ever I needed anything they where always there for me.
Mary J.
Period 6
Journal
Liping H.
Period 6
First Entry (beginning of war)
Let me describe myself.
I am John Cyrus. I'm a 22 year old white man, I'm Illinois and I'm in the Union.
Now that the war has begun, I believe I will make it.
The war could've been avoided, but we couldn't talk it over, so it HAD to be this way.
Slavery ain't right. They are humans, not objects.
Being a soldier, I am very proud. I want to serve my country and make it the free.
Today I am waiting to do something, it is so cold.
I didn't do anything. I was just thinking about my family.
Wearing a wool uniform wasn't good enough, it was still chilly.
We ate bad meat, and really hard bread, but still, at least we had.
I slept in a dog tent, I couldn't sleep. The thoughts of possibly dying everyday were overwhelming.
My weapon was a Colt Army Model 1860. I don't believe in guns, but if we need to, I will.
Second Entry (middle of the war)
So much has happened in the past two years. I have seen so much.
Luckily, I'm still alive.
I've fought in all the battles, it was rough, but I've made it.
Thank God I haven't been wounded, but I have a feeling I will.
This war made my life very difficult, my friends had died, every night I think about them, I could've saved them.
We rarely get enough to eat, sometimes, we don't even eat.
The lack of food,diseases, and bad weather were very bad parts about this war, many have died by this.
There were many shortages.
At least there were some amusements to help pass the time. For example, I like to sing.
I don't really like to listen to music. I just look at others talk. I do sing though.
Now that the country has been at war for two years, I do believe it won't end.
I have though, in the first time I wrote in this, that it was going to be all fine, but now I'm not sure.
Third Entry (end of war)
The war is over, and I am so relieved and lucky. I'm glad I survived.
I'm really happy the war is over now. I can finally go home to my family.
Most of my friends have died in the war. Some survived, but they were severely injured.
Now I am hopeful that everything had ended.
When I get home to the U.S, I am going to enjoy the freedom, and I might even get a job.
United States will be one united country again.
The war has taught me that you should never give up, even when the conditions are tough.
I have learned, through this whole thing, that you should appreciate what you have, because it could be gone anytime.
Nothing can destroy certain things.
Maria J.
Period 6
April 12 1861 This journal belongs to Hero Rush
Journal enrty number 1
Im excited for battle. Ive been training hard.
Even if im new to this war I know that I want to be here. I think slavery is wrong and it needs to stop. Im a union soldier and im only 19, I just left my my hometown in New York. I knew from the start that I would be helping people. I knew that if I die I die with honor. Im known for being a fun careless person but when it comes to something serious nothing can stop me.
Today was pretty much a normal day as usual. I woke up at 6.00 am and did a morning drill. During the drills and eating time we would wear clothes that our families sent to us so we wouldnt be torcherd by the hot and uncomfortable uniforms. Today for lunch I ate salted pork. Then I ate hartacks. Hardtacks are hard "crackers" made with flour salt and water :P. The one weapon I have been training with was an enfield rifle. It was said to be the most accurate weapon on the battlefield. >:]
Journal entry number 2
Two years have past and Ive been through alot. I fought in a battle but I was lucky enough to come out of the battlefield without a wound. :|
My life here during the cival war wasnt a day in the spa. :(
I barely have enough to eat and when I do eat it feels like my stomach is punching me for torchering it. :\.... Some of my fellow soldiers died from food poison because some of the food isnt stored well. There were some shortages of clothing and some other items, as many northern factories turned over to making weapons and uniforms for the war machine. At least there are some amusements to pass time. I like to play the card game go-fish with a friend I grew close to. :)
Now that the country has been at war for two years I believe that it might be time to win this battle. >:]
Journal entry number 3
At last the war is over and I am happy and surprised over all the things Ive experienced throughout this war. Now I am hopeful that this country can live together as one. :).... Now that the war is over I plan on going back to my hometown in New York and catching up with my family but before that I have to celebrate this glorious victory. :D... Throughout my experience in the war I learned some things. I learned that you should never give up if your going through a hard time. A tough experience will pay off in a long run. :DDD POWER TO THE PEOPLE!!! ;D
This was a journal written by Hero Rush
coming out of the war a Hero leaving a war
that was a Rush.
Kevin L. Joseph C 6th period
Dear Diary:
(The Civil war start at April 12 1861)
I am Westly John,i am from New York.I am white and i am only 25 year old i am forcing to join the union army because the south and north starting the civil war.At first i think that the war is aviodable.But i found out that we will go to war anyway,it just matter about the time. My personal feeling about slavery is bad,really bad i know that everybody is all created equal.
(April 13 1861)
Today i kill two men in the forest i was really scary.Maybe the next minute i will die.i was wearing dark blue uniform is union uniform.We often eat bread or sometime meat. The bread taste bad,is dry.At the end of every day i sleep in the dog tent.Everyday i worry about my family they might die during the war.
(July 15 1863)
In the past two year i was spending time drilling on battle techniques and strategies.In the night now of the soldier were gambling with card.Pretty.Today my friend got shot,sadly he die.He was my only friend in the military.Now i am worry even more about my family.We don't really got enough food everyday to us even a single bread with some cream and some meat is decilous.We the soldier alway worry three thing in the war.First one the most important one our family.Two food and supplies,we usually just ate a bread and that is our meal.The music we play in the military is the "The battle cry of freedom".Two year already i guess maybe the war is coming to the end.
(May 26 1865)
The war has ended.Our side finally won the American civil war.Lot of my friend die.Now that the war end i could go home to see my family now.Please let me see the, i didn't see them for like 4 year and some.I hoped that after this war the people of American could feel Peace.Peace for forever for the country.I learn lot lot of stuff in the civil war We must united and try to be succesfully,and life is not prefect.
Dear diary,
(After April 12, 1861)
I am Alexander E. James, I am from Pennsylvania .It's the first day of the Civil War(1861), I've been drafted to join the union army. I am very excited to go fight the Confederate Soldier. I have been a singed to be a Sgt. Our uniform is dark blue. The weapons that I choose was a long sword and a pistol.
(April 14,1861)
We are preparing for battle.Today we did our drills, I was very tired. Me and the other Sgt. met up together to discussed the strategies for our future battle. My bed is so uncomfortable, we have to sleep on tents. I have to eat bread and horses. My feeling about this war is changing, I thought that this is going to be exiting, but its really hard, we don't have that much food and water. Right now, I'm worrying about a lot of things, I'm scared to get shot and getting lost on the battle ground.
(July 21, 1861)
Today at southwest Washington, I went to a battle against the confederate, their general was good he was named Stonewall Jackson .One of my friend got shot he was bleeding very bad, it was my first time seeing someone getting shot. We lost our battle today which was embarrassing because i thought that we had a better army.
(Sept 4-9, 1862)
It's been a while since i wrote.Today 50,000 confederate with Gen.Lee invaded north,they were heading for Harpers Perry.located 50 miles northwest of Washington. The Union Army, 90,000 strong, under the command of McClellan and me, pursues Lee. I would be writing my diary next year because I have more important things to do for now, hopefully the war would be over next year.
(May 1-4, 1863)
The Union Army under Gen. Hooker and me is decisively defeated by Lee's much smaller forces at the Battle of Chancellorsville in Virginia as a result of Lee's brilliant and daring tactics. Confederate Gen. Stonewall Jackson is mortally wounded by his own soldiers. Hooker retreats. Union losses are 17,000 killed, wounded and missing out of 130,000. The Confederates, 13, 000 out of 60,000. Its been 2 years and the war is still not over, its really getting hard, lack of food, and not much medicine.
(1865)
Finally the war is over, I could go home and be with my wife and son. General Joseph Johnston surrendered his army two weeks after General Lee, on April 26, 1865. Gen. Johnston was able to catch a portion of Sherman's army by surprise at the Battle of Bentonville, March 19, 1865. He was forced to retreat. After learning of Lee's surrender, Gen. Johnston surrendered his army to Sherman at the Bennett Place near Durham, North Carolina, despite orders to the contrary from Jefferson Davis. The whole country has finnaly come at peace,no more hatred and war.
Jean Claudine 6th period.
Anthony V. 6 PERIOd FIRST ENTRY
Let me describe myself.I am Frank Valle.I am a 25 year old white man from Missouri.
I am also a confederacy soldier captain.Now that the war has begun I believe it's on.I'm so glad
we are having this war to fight. This war have couldn't have been avoided . Also my feelings about
slavery is thwt we need slavery.I became a soldier to help my own.Today I'm fighting dodging bullets out here on this
battlefield and getting ready for battle like today and the rest of these 3 years.Get my confederate uniform on,eat
my breakfast bacon and tea,holding my pistol on the side for when I'm ready.When the day is said and done I,ll gO
back to my tent and get some sleep and get ready for battle the next day.
SECOND ENTRY
So much has happened in the past two years.I have gone crazy.I'm still alive but 8 weeks back I got hit in the
right leg with a pistol bullet.It's so tough on this battlefield our army is like a army of ants versus an army of
beast.This war has made my life very difficult .For example I been shot at 1,000 times.It's so rough people are running
out of food.To get away sometimes I play chess and dominoes and love to listen to country and band.This war has
been going on for two years.I believe it should be over.My feelings have really changed since my first journal entry.
THIRD ENTRY
The war is over,and I home and happy.I'm so glad the war is over even though we lost. Yes alot of my friends got shot and killed
but everything is fine.Now I am hopeful there will be no more wars.I hope in the future there will be peace and no more violence
and hope the U.S could be united again.I learned nobody is safe on the battlefield and I apoligize to think that slavery is right.
Last but not least this war has taught me you have to fight for your rights.
CF-K.L
July 1863
Dear diary
My name is Charles Luo. I have been drafted to the Civil War. I am a white man, 22 years old and i fight for the Union. I don't think the war is necessary. I also don't like slavery, i think it is wrong. Today i was marching to the battefields while holding my rifle. We had to march about 5 miles, my legs were very tired and all of my friends were exhausted . Today for dinner I ate bacon and i slept on rugs. Later in the middle of the night i found a hand grenade on the floor.
January 1865
Today during a gunfight, I killed 4 people and i got one headshot. But I got so excited about the headshot, I jumped around. But then i got shot in the leg. After the gunfight ended, i took the enemy's weapons and ammo and continued marching. For Dinner we didnt have much to eat again. we had beans and mash potatoes again. After dinner i slept in a tent in the woods with all the explosives.
This morning I wore old clothes with no shoes and old ripped up socks. We had little to eat today we had peas, cold chicken, and carrots.
August 1865
The war finally ended and i am very glad it did. My wounded leg is healed and i am very happy that i can walk again. I now want to retire with my family and my loving wife. The war has taught me that you shouldn't get too excited when you kill a enemy.
Jason W
Period 6
April 12 1861 Diary of Emanuel Goldstein
Dear Diary,
This is diary number one and I spend my days making meals for other men and myself.I am a proud soilder that supports the Union. I am a young soilder and I am a 20 year old man. It has been really tough and I have a lot of jobs such as laundry, cutting firewood and sometimes writing back to my family at home. Here is not like home I have to sleep cramped up with other people in tents right next to each other. I met lots of people and a lot of my friends and I hope that they do not get hurt or worse killed. It is really dangerous in war and I always have to be ready for any attack. I believe that we will win this war and return home safely.
Diary Entry 2
April 26 1861
Dear Diary,
Today it was a battle and I lost some friends and some are wounded in the hospital. Joining the war was worst than I thought, and it is hard to be here everyday. I am so tired and today I shot alot of people, but I had to see a lot of my people get shot and in pain. All of my men and I were all in dark blue uniforms, but were running a little bit low on uniforms. I was hungry for a long time until, I was so hungry I killed my horse and fed my men. The weapons we carried were pistols , rifles , and swords. The good thing is I did not get wounded or killed.
Diary Entry 3
May 23 1861
Dear Diary,
So much has happened during this one month. I have fought and survived this war and I am proud. I have been wounded once, but my wound healed and that is why I am writing this. I have to do alot more than other soilders , such as cleaning and cooking. This war has made my life very difficult. For example, I have been wounded and had to fight in battles almost everyday. Also I never get anytime to rest anymore unlike all the way back home.There is barely any food to eat and to feed all the soilders. The only time I get to rest is when I listen to music or play games with other soilders. At least there is some time and amusement to help pass the time. My feelings have changed alot about the war when I thought I was going to die that day.
Diary Entry 121
June 23 1865
Dear Diary,
This war is finally over now and I am so happy to go back home to see my family I did not see for 4 and a half years. I feel so proud that the Union has won the war! I am so happy that this war is finally over. I am a proud union soilder but I am just sad about all of my friends that I lost during the war. Now I am hopeful that I can travel home safely. The war has taught me how to be brave and use the things around you even if you do not have that much supplies. Close to the end of the war it was hard because we were running super low on food and supplies. Now that it is over I have a lot of time to relax.
Mary J.
7th Period
Journal
Vanessa L.
7th Period
Let me tell you a little about myself. My name is John Brooks and I am a White Union Soldier. I am a man from California . The American Civil War is about to begin. I support the Union side. I became a soldier because I want to fight for my side. I am a bit scared. Most of my day, I spent the time drilling battles techniques and strategies. I am being trained and prepared for the war. When I am not preparing for the war, I spend the rest of the time playing games such as cards, dominoes, and chess. I live and sleep in log cabins and tents. The tents are shared with five or six men. Now that the war had begun, I am afraid that I will not be alive for too long. I hope that my family is doing okay. I miss them a lot and I really want to see them soon.
Dear Journal,
Let me explain myself.I am a White American man that is looking forward to going to war with my brother,I am 16 years old.I live in Kansas and support the union.Now that the war has begun it's time to shoot some confederate soldiers and end slavery.I really hate the Confederate army because they killed my father for no reason and they defiled my mother and locked up me and my brother for a whole week.So me and my brother are going to join the army to end all of this.Today i woke up really early to dress in my union uniform ,ate some roasted chicken and peas and carried the rifle that i go hunting with which is the Kentucky Rifle and also brought my special knife.
Journal Entry 2 January 1 1863
Two years have passed since my brother and I have enlisted in the army and we finally completed our training and was deployed to the battle of Gettysberg we marched there for five minutes and got ambushed i can still hear the sound of bodies falling,limbs flying,and young boys crying that was a hurtful sight.But we still pushed up the front lines and won that battle,until out of nowhere a surviving Confederate soldier came up out of no where and stabbed my brother and shot himself in the head.We took him to the hospital and I remember all the sights and sounds there it was horrible,the place was very stinky with blood everywhere and boy's saying "I don't want to die."Or"I want to go home."
Journal Entry 3 February 4,1865
The war is finally over,but i can never forget the sights and sounds of war and my brother dying.I'm glad that we finally ended slavery but now my family is falling apart and i have nobody to celebrate my 19th birthday with.Also while me and my brother were away my mother ended up dying from illness and therefore i am alone,right now i'm just raising cattle and moving on with my life,looking for a wife to make a big family with,and which ends this journal.
Dear Diary,
Let me describe myself. I am Chris from the state of New York.
I am described as a white man, at the age of 13.
I would be honored to support the Union. Now that the war has begun,
I believe in peace and no slaves.
The war can not be justified and it can not be avoided.
The war is just a mistake for all citizen including the slaves and slavery
must end now!
As a soldier I hope to protect my family and help others in need.
Today, I should prepare for tomorrow's heavy battle.
Today was a steady paced excercise of techniques used for the battle.
We worn normal soldier uniform that was very tight and uncomfortable.
We ate bread, pork, beef, beans, and vegetables.
We slept in a tent crowded with about 8 soldiers.
We carried muskets while we sleep and some
went outside taking turns watching out for each other's back.
So much has happened in the past two years. I have been worried of my family.
During the battle I have been shot down. My right arm has been wounded and is unable
to move as much as before. Now that the war has ended I am glad.
One of my friend got exploded by a heavy cannon. Blood was everywhere I was calling
out for medical help but no one responded. I felt scared and confused.
This war has made my life very difficult. For example, I have to use my left arm at all time.
We had enough to eat after the battle. But during the feast everyone grew silent.
We had little fresh water to drink. I hope to go home soon.
During the feast we played Drafts. And later we sang to pass time.
After that day everyone fell asleep. My feelings have changed after the war.
The war has ended and I am satisfied and glad it is.
Now that the war has ended slavery has ended also.
I hope that there will be peace and freedom all over the Earth.
The United States will be one united country again.
The war has taught me that violence is not the answer to all questions. Also that people should fight for what they believe in.
I hope that the civil war has ended and everyone is able to live on with their lives.
Richard Duong 6th period
D.H.2nd period rm:114
Dear Diary,
~The Beginning of the Civil War~
Hey there! This is actually the first time I have written in a diary before anyways, I'm Alice Williamson, a sixteen -year -old girl living at Tennessee in a small cottage. Most of the time I would be wearing long dresses, and bonnets when it is cold. Usually I would be eating stew and beef jerky and be drinking water and tea, but on special occasions I would be eating something more special like a cake and other food I wouldn't be eating normally. I like listening to folk songs and it's quite popular here these days. One of my favorite is "Going Home" because I really want the war to be over and be able to go back home and back to my normal life. Usually I would be doing all I could for helping the soldiers in the war, but normally if there is nothing to do I would just do something relaxing like reading my book that my brother left behind for me or maybe even study. Right now the war is about to begin, you know sometimes I want to have slavery because my number one hatred is killing innocent lives. Why can't people just solve things peacefully like signing a treaty. Plus, all these injuries are driving us women and the nurses crazy! Hope the sooner the war ends everything will be back normal. I think there is no other choice if one of the side refuse to sign a treaty then the only solution is to go to war. As the war begin to start I'm worried about the safety of my brothers, the supplies, help for the nurses, food, and I won't be able to rest as much.
So much has happened in the past two years. I have been injured and I am now in the hospital. I was stabbed in my right arm by a long knife.A lot of people died while I stayed in the hospital. I felt horrible during this time. I had to stay in bed all day and there were certain things I couldn't do and eat. I was also afraid my family would be worried about me. Seeing everyone around me die, I feel really sad. I'm not afraid of dying, I just don't want my family to worry.
This war has made my life very difficult. For example, it's a big change. My best friend was killed during a battle. I can't use my right arm freely anymore. Even in the future, I wouldn't be ever to use a knife as skilled as before. But I have also changed in a good way. I can now think more calmly of things, and I think things over before I act.
There is a food shortage. Everyone is hungry most of the time. I am also really homesick. At least there is some entertainment to help pass the time. For example I like to sing. I sing marching songs.
Lee John
Shelley ST 7th period
Beginning of the war
April 14,1861
Let me describe myself.I am a soldier,Lee John.I am a 26 years old white man.I am from California.I joined the Union to fight because I think the slavery is wrong.
Now that the war has begun,I believe that slavery should be abolished, because the Southerners have no right to own another people being.The Southerners can't used the slaves to help them do work.They can't judge any skin color and any different language.I feel bad and sad of slavery,they have no freedom to say no.Why I want to be a soldier,because I want to stop the slavery.
Today is April 14,1861,It was my first day at the war.I felt so hungry and I felt that I was going to die soon.I saw my uniform full of blood,and I felt scared.I hope the war will end and the slaves will be freed.
I sleep in a rectangular piece and a small two-man tent or a so called"dog tent."I usually eat a lot of meat and bread,salted pork,rice,peas,and beans.I worry about diseases like fever and consuption.
K.Zhou 5th period
Reem S.
His ruby red blood gushes out as I try to stop the bleeding he screams at the top of his lungs. He's been wounded. I tell him it's going to sting a bit. He bites down on his botton lip as I rub the cut that starts from the top of his chest down to his lower stomach with a rag soked in alchohal. The cut looks bad, it's deap and the blood won't cut. He ask's me if he'll survive, I being horribly scared of even a drip of blood shakenly answer him. "Your fine, just a couple stitches."
I clear the dirt off my pillow, I sleep in a little shelter with a couple other young strong men. As I lay in the cold i listen to their soft breathing. Were all soldiers. We fight for our freedom. Although, they don't know. They don't know I'm a woman. I hate the fact woman arn't treated as equally as men. One day i'll show the world a woman can do as much as a man can. I'll show the world that humans are humans no matter what color, shape, or size. No person shall be looked at as more or as less.
BOOM!! I wrestle with my blankets trying to get up. To bad I lost the fight falling and hitting my head against the wooden dresser. I dizzely get up to realize I see flames. Flames burst rapidly around me. I nervously think about what I should do. Run through, then stop drop and roll? Sounds like a plan. I look around the room to realize Sam's on the floor. He can't get up. I run through the fire not caring about how much having your flesh burnt off feels like and grab Sam by his hands and drag his body out the fire. Is he breathing? Am I breathing? I lay next to him, and my eyes gently close.
Entry one
Dear Diary,
I am Alice Williamson.I live in Tennessee.I wear a long dress just like other girls.I eat apples, pickles and drink tea in the morning. I eat cocoa shells, muffins and sausage for lunch. The snack I eat is chocolate. I eat cake, stew and cocoa for dinner. After I finish eating, I do my chores, and I will read books after wards. I like to listen to folk songs. During the war, everybody is running around, because they were scared and they don't know what to do. I think fighting is a ridiculous way to solve a problem, they should solve a problem with peace. I worry about my family and friends, I don't want them to get wounded.
Entry two
Dear Diary,
I am in Tennessee, and I am doing my chores. have a knife with me, so I can defend myself. Well, I'm a woman, so I have to do the jobs that women were usually do, like clothing for the troops, and cook for them. I want the war to end, so I don't have to worry about my family, especially my husband and my son. They were fighting for the country, and I don't want them to get hurt. I think war is a disaster that made by human, and there were many died because of the war.
Entry three
Dear Diary,
The war ended at last.husband and my son were back. I don't have to worry about them anymore, and I can see them everyday. Few of my friends were troops, but they were died during the war. Fortunately, my husband and my son were fine. If they did not come back, I think I will stay at home and continue worrying about them.
By:Judy wu
2 period
Name : V. Chu
Period: 5th
To whom may be reading this...
April 22, 1861
My name is Ryhen Lee, I am an Asian/Caucasian woman from New York, and of 21 years of age. My husband, Daniel Lee, has joined the army to help in the Civil War and stop slavery, and in worries of his safety, I have joined the army, disguised as a man, by the name of Henry L. Daniel. I know and understand the dangers of the battlefield, and I wish not to take any lives, but if it is to protect my family and grant freedom to all, I will taint these hands of mine. I have left Jinh, my 3-year old daughter, in the hands of a dear friend, Robin Nathaniel.
February 6, 1862
I have been through a year of training, and have already entered my first battle. There was blood flying everywhere, and it was a horrid sight. We managed to capture Fort Henry at Tennessee, but during the battle, unfortunately, I spotted a bullet aiming for Daniel, so I risked myself and I got hit in one of my eyes. I'm going to be alright, but I lost the use of that eye. I'm so happy that I could protect him and that I managed to make it this far. Daniel has been doing great and has good friends by his side, and no one has suspicions of me being a woman.
May 11, 1863
Two years have passed since I entered the army. Many has died already, and so many are injured. In the battle of Chancellorsville, I shot all the foes approaching Daniel from the back, but I failed to hit one, and he was stabbed in the stomach, and he may have an infection. I felt terrible. I wanted to stay by his side, but I worried that I may be caught, for even he does not know who I really am. Instead, his friend, John Smith, had done so.
June 26, 1863
I have failed one of my purposes. It seems that our side shall prevail, and freedom will be grant to all. Slaves are now free of their horrid fate. However, Daniel has died 5 days ago, and I won't be making it much longer either, for it seems I have been poisoned. My time is very short, and I will soon be joining Daniel. I am coughing up blood, all that I'm writing looks like scribbles, and through the one eye that I have left, everything looks blurry. To who ever is reading this, please tell my daughter... Jinh... that I'm sorry.... Jinh, please... forgive Mother. I know I told you... That I would return safely with Father... But it seems that... Fate... would not allow it. I will leave Jinh Lee... in the hands of Daniel Nathaniel... And Robin Nathaniel... Farewell, Jinh... Mother and Father loves you...... Daniel... It seems, that I will be joining you now......
Nallely c.
I am Alice Williamson and i am from Gallatin, Tennessee i am 16 years old and i always were long dress.I started school in march 30.I have been studying all the morning and talking all the evening seeking & sighing for rebels.I do this because our king kills every rebel in twenty miles of Gallatin and burned every town.I am so worry about them because if they find out about my brothers i would not know what to do.All i eat is rice and bred.I sleep in a very small bed shared with a little sister.
Gina F.
7th Period
January 11, 1863
I'm cold and hungry. We are extremely bored, and I miss Momma. I wonder how she's doing. These past two years have been unbearable. I am lucky that I am still alive. Bubba's doing well. We've been very friendly. In the morning, we were playing cards and dominoes until we were called in to fight. As I was laying down, I saw a beautiful nurse. As I turned around to see her, I was shot in the leg. I could make a list of complaints. I was incredibly hungry and tired. There weren't enough supplies for everyone, we were treated like dirt, and the hospital smelled funny. I'm lying down in bed talking to the nurse. Her name is Dahlia. Her name fits herself. Very beautiful. She always made the pain in my leg go away. I worry lots about Momma. I hope she's okay.
They played a lot of music today. I had this song stuck in my head. "Oh my poor Nelly Gray!", or something like that. I never caught the title. I still believe that this war was just, and that slavery is bad! I shall endure the pain of the war to stand up for my rights.
~George Funk
Dear Diary,
The Civil War has just begun.My name is Ronald McDonald.I am a 31 year old African-American living in Michigan ranked as a 2nd Lieutanant fighting for the Union side."Now that the war has begun,I believe we should still fight because slavery should never be burdened upon any human being."But,becoming a soldier has thought me to defend my honor."Today,I fought the Battle of Gettsyburg."Eating salted meat,coffee beans,and dried fruit has been very difficult to live on these past days.
"It has now passed two days since the Civil War was started."I have now fought in many battles and have been wounded,luckily I survived.The Emancipation Proclamation in my point of view is unfair.This war has made life difficult.For example,being in danger almost all the time.Food supplies has also become scarce.Killing once fellow Americans has also been a hardship I hsve faced during this war.But,gambling while camping has taken away minor stresses from me.All in all,the war has now become a waste of time and soldiers.
"The war is over,and I am depressed from all the fighting.I am also overjoyed that the war is finally over.As for being an African-American,I plan to retire and probably start a shoe shop.My next goal is to know that slavery is now over."The war has thought me to rely on allies and being a soldier is a hard life to live.
Regards and Concerns,
Ronald McDonald
Arnold Chhay 7°
7th period
Brandon N.
7th period
Dear Journal,
My name is Ronald McDonald and I am a soldier. I am a 35 year old African-American man who lives in California. I support the Union against slavery. Now that the war has become, I believe that slavery shall be terminated. This war is justified and it cannot be avoided. I seriously think that slavery is not good. You cannot treat a human being like a slave. I am excited to be a soldier because I get to fight for anti-slavery. Today, I annihilated 10 people and accidentally injured 3 of my partners. I also got shot in the leg today. I wore my regular everyday clothing. My buddies and I ate beans, salted meat, water, and bacon. I had to sleep on the floor. I am able to carry a piston and a knife.
Dear Journal,
So much has happened in the past two years. I have gotten shot in the leg because of someone with a pistol. War was pretty cool except for my friends getting killed in battle. Either killed or severely injured. Yes my soldier was wounded, he got shot in the leg. This war has made my life very difficult. For example, I lost my left leg. Here we barely have enough to eat. We are running out of bacon, my favorite food here. If I continue to battle, I might even lose my right leg. This would be terrible. At least there are some amusements to help pass the time. For example, I like to shoot people against me. I like to listen to the banjo. My friend plays the banjo every time after we eat. Now that the country has been at war for two years, I believe it has been a waste. Ever since my first journal entry my feelings about the war has not really changed. I still believe that slavery is a hazard to human kind.
Dear Journal,
The war is over, and I am happy and sad at the same time. I am happy because no more people can get killed and/or injured. I am sad because I feel like I haven't did much things to cause it to end the way it did. Now that the war has ended and I survived, I can now retire. Now I am hopeful that slavery have ended, but I have a small feeling that people will still have slavery.
February 15, 1863,
So much has happened in the past two years. I have only fought in one war but it was one to remember. While I was fighting, I tripped and hurt my leg. I could not get up and I was bleeding a lot. One of the enemies saw that I was down, and relies that it was an opportunity to kill me. Just before he pulled the trigger, Henry came out of nowhere and shot him dead. He then helped me to a nurse to heal the leg. I’m glad to know he got my back. I owe him one. Including that, this war had made my life very difficult. For example, we are running out of food. I can barely lift my rifle with these boney arms. I also want to go home. Today is me and my son’s birthday. He turns four today. I gave him the chess set Henry helped me build. Even though he might not be old enough, I hope he likes it. I’m hoping I can teach him how to play when I get back. I’m glad we have games like chess to help pass the time. We also like to sing songs. Our favorite is Yankee Doodle. If you walk in to our camp, all you can hear is soldiers singing. I’m glad I got in the 77th regiment United States Colored Infantry.
Sincerely, Daniel Nathaniel
~J.Chio 5th period~
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