Letters Home

It already seems a lifetime had passed since I left you and rode out to join Lt. Col Niepert’s 5th Fl. I know you didn’t want me to go and I wish to be with you but I must answer the call of my State. Florida needs defenders and I am proud to stand up and be accounted among them. I only hope to make you proud of me. I miss you so much already and my bedroll is lonely without your arms to comfort me. It has been two weeks but I finally made it to the Confederate encampment. The sentries stopped me asking my business. When I said I was here to join Lt. Col. Niepert they smiled nodding and let me pass although they did relieve me of my musket at the time. The Lt. and Sgt. of the 4th Fl. offered me their hospitality and a cup of coffee while we stood at their fire. As I listened to the talk, I was little surprised on how upbeat it was in spite of the hardships these men faced as well as never knowing if they will see another day. We were called to attention as Lt. Col. Niepert arrived wanting to see the man who was asking about him. We saluted and I told him I was the one who had written to him earlier about recruitment. My musket was returned to me and I fell in with the Lt. Col. for colors. After being dismissed, I was assigned to the Kilcrease Artillery under Sgt. Robert Armstrong. We fell in on the cannon for drills. While being the newest person, I was assigned to running the powder and rounds. After learning a lot about the cannon and being on the artillery crew, we were dismissed to attend to personal matters. I was lucky to have a small group of sutlers nearby that I was able to get equipped with uniform and supplies. Mary, this is exciting and frightening at the same time. As I long to be with you, so the other men long to be with their families. As the day went on, we got word from some early scouts of an advancing Federal line. Our cavalry, led by Lt. Col. Niepert, rode out to confront them and assess the situation while our unit was ordered to man our cannon. Once we got our weapon prepared, we heard the gunshots from our cavalry as well as return fire from Union muskets. When our men on horseback got clear, the order to fire was given and we proceeded to unleash our cannon's fury onto the Federal forces. Sgt. Armstrong was so calm and calculating in calling out the rounds and powder needed. We fired 30 rounds; inflicting a heavy toll on the advancing Union soldiers. A small group of Confederate Marines had fallen back along our wheel and we combined our firing capacities to drive the Union back. My love, I don’t know if I’ll be the same man you fell in love with when this terrible war is finished. I only pray God will forgive us and allow us to return safely home. My dearest, we are breaking camp now so I must end this letter. May it convey the love I feel for you and the longing I feel to be with you. Please keep safe my Love and keep me in your thoughts.