Writing to soldiers.

The Gallipolis Journal
April 2, 1863.

Quote :

"[quote]From an essay in the Atlantic by Gail Hamilton, upon Women and the War, we take the following excellent suggestion: And follow the soldier to the battlefield with your spirit. the great army of letters that marches Southward with every morning sun is a very powerful engine of war. Fill them with tears and sighs, lament separation and suffering, dwell on your loneliness and fears, mourn over the dishonesty of contractors and the incompetency of leaders, doubt if the South will ever be conquered and foresee financial ruin, and you will damp the powder and dull the swords that ought to deal death upon the foe. Write as tenderly as you will. In camp the roughest man idolizes his far-off home, and every word of love uplifts him a lover. But let your tenderness unfold its sunny side and keep the shadows for His pity who knows the end from the beginning and whom no foreboding can dishearten. Glory in your tribulation. Show your soldier that his unflinching courage, and his undying fortitude, are your crown of rejoicing. Incite him to enthusiasm by your inspiration. Make a mock of your discomfort. Be unwearying in details of the little interest at home. Fill your letters with kittens and canaries, with baby's shoes, and Johnny's sled, and the old cloak which you have turned into a handsome gown. Keep him posted in all the village gossip, the lectures courtings, the sleigh rides, and the singing schools. Bring out the good points of sweet and brave and pleasant story you can thing of. Show him that you clearly apprehend that a dastardly peace would pave the way for speedy, incessant, and more appalling warfare. Help him to bear his burdens by showing him how elastic you are under yours. Hearten him, enliven him, tone him, up to the true hero-pitch. -- Hush your Miserere, accept the nation's pain for penance, and commission every northern breeze to bear Te Deum laudamus."

Transcribed and submitted by Linda Trent