SunnivaHF

Dear Kristine

It’s so wonderful to hear from you again. Thank you for your letter, it was beautiful but it really made me miss you. Things here are going well, and I’ve finally become 18. It’s strange how fast everything goes, it’s been 4 years since I waved goodbye to you back in Norway. It’s good to hear that you are well, and to hear how things in Norway are going. Here everything is well. Luckily my husband is a nice man, and he takes good care of me. Last year in the summer, I gave birth to a healthy boy, I’ve never been so happy in my life. We named him John, after my husband’s father. I hope he grows up to be a fine, young man who can take over the farm and take care of us when we become older. The farm is by the way quite large, and we have some cows, some sheep’s a few hens and a Horse. My husband is a hard working man, and the farm is growing bigger. But now I have to end the letter, please write to me, and tell me more about Norway and your life. I miss you!

Love from Marie

Oct. 31 1861, Delaware, Philadelphia Dear mother and father,

I hope you are all well at home, my thoughts are with you all the time. I hope the twins are well again, and don’t give you to much strain. We have now marched for two weeks, and we have joined the other divisions here at Delaware. Tonight it was really good to finally have some rest, and better sleeping-conditions. The food portions here are small, and there is never enough for all of us to be full. I really miss your stew at home. We are doing a lot of training during the days. I’m doing quite well. We have heard about fierce battles further north, and many have fallen. I don’t know what I will do when it comes to a battle, if I will be able to kill a man. I can’t believe I’m here, I never wanted to fight this war, but we all have to stand up for the confederation and our true president Jefferson Davis. The Yankees can never decide how we are going to live. I hope this war will be over next year, so I can be home for the harvesting. Please pray for me every night. I miss you and everyone at home.

Love from Joseph