Love Letter to Clara
by Aimee Stout
Links by: Jessica Patton and Nick Mariano
This letter is for approximately grades 5 and up
Dearest Clara,
I write to you with a trembling hand. The echoes of the gunshots, the cries and screams of agony, and the shouts of surrender are racing through my mind. I often think of why I ever joined the regiment, why I would leave my home, the farm I was preparing for you and a family we would one day have, to fight in this terrible war, where death and pain is all around me. I know, though, that this is what God wanted me to do. I love this country, and I know I am fighting for a valiant, noble cause.
Our most recent battle was in Manassass, Virginia, they call it the Battle of Bull Run. We fought hard, Clara, we did our best. But, the Confederates fought harder. They broke through our right flank and we were finished. I have never been so scared as I was at that battle. Clara, it was something I never again wish to witness. The only things that kept me fighting was the strength of the Lord, my love for this dear country of ours, and you. I could not let myself be killed for your sake. There were men all around me with fear and anger in their eyes fighting gallantly, bravely, but they were shot dead in their tracks. All around me men were falling to the ground, some pleading for relief from the pain, others dying as soon as the bullet reached them. Clara, I saw the men that I had grown closest to suffering and crying out to anyone who would listen. It made me think of you and how I could not bear for you to receive that letter saying I would not be returning to you. None of our other battles were like this one. I remember our first battle, we were ordered to cross the “Long Bridge” across the Potomac and take possession of Alexandria, Virginia. We were a new infantry, full of pride in being the first infantry from a western state to reach Washington DC, and vigorous in our fighting. Our desire to serve our country overcame any qualms and fears we may have had. Clara, if you could have seen us, you would have known that there was nothing short of the Lord’s power that would have stopped us from winning that battle. Now, as I sit here with only the remnants of our regiment remaining, spirits dampened, our fire and vigor we had at that first battle is nowhere to be seen. All we can do now is mourn the loss of our fellow soldiers and keep on with only the strength of the Lord to carry us on. I think we’ll be moving on soon, to where, I don’t know, but wherever it leads, please know that my thoughts and prayers are with and for you.
I often think back to our farewell, as fleeting and difficult as it was. How I wish so often I could return to that day. I enlisted and within three days, I found myself with nearly 800 other men being sent in to federal service. After only two and a half weeks of joining the 1st Michigan infantry, we were promptly sent to Washington DC. It was quite a long journey for us, taking three days for us to arrive, and I thought only of you with each step I took. After the battle in Alexandria, we had a few minor conflicts, but nothing like Bull Run. Perhaps we were too used to these minor conflicts to realize what we were facing in Bull Run. Perhaps we had grown cocky in our success and stopped trusting in the Lord for guidance and protection. Regardless, we are now forced to rely solely upon the Lord, for without His faithfulness, we are unable to continue. What a comfort it is to know, however, that He is in control, and whatever the outcome is, it is His plan that is being carried out for the glory of His Kingdom. Oh, if only everyone had the hope that I have!
Clara, I will return to you one day, perhaps soon. I dream each night and day of the time when we can be together again, so in love and so happy. When I return, we will be married, and we will never again be apart as we are now. Please continue in your prayers for me, as I am for you. I appreciate your many letters. They bring me great encouragement and remind me of you. I save them all and read them over many times because they remind me of you. Take care of yourself. Tell your parents and the little brothers and sisters I say hello.
Love, Allen
This letter, although fictional, contains many historical facts. The battles mentioned did actually take place, and the infantry did actually exist. However, Allen and Clara are both fictional characters.
Source: The Civil War Home Page: http://www.civil-war.net/battles.html
Props
– A map of the United States during the Civil war may be provided, in order for the students to see where exactly the places mentioned are.
– Maps of different battles in the Civil War, particularly the larger battles may be shown to students to make their locations more concrete
– Pictures of flags, soldiers, and battlefields are available in many books and internet sites (such as the one listed as a source)
Outline
I. Greeting
A. Thinking of Clara
II. Battles
A. Battle of Bull Run
B. Battle in Alexandria, Virginia
III. Remember
A. Joining the 1st Michigan Infantry
B. Leaving home
IV. Farewell
A. Desire to return home
Questions
- What was the Battle in Manassass named? Was it an easy battle to fight?
- What was significant about the 1st Michigan Infantry, in which Allen was?
- What is giving Allen the strength and courage to carry on in his duties as soldier?
- Describe how you would feel if you were either a soldier in Allen’s situation or a girl in Clara’s situation.
- Write a letter to a loved one such as parents or another relative from the perspective of someone in the war.
Answers
- The Battle of Bull Run was the battle that took place in Manassas; No, the battle was difficult to fight and the Union lost.
- The 1st Michigan Infantry was the first Regiment from the western states to reach Washington DC.
- Strength from the Lord, Allen’s love for the Lord, and his love for Clara kept him going.
- Answers will vary for this question.
- Answers will vary for this question, as well.