| This short story is in the form of a diary. In 8th grade I had to write a journal for someone who was living during the civil war and I did and I really like what I did with it...so I hope you like it!! |
| August 1, 1862 I just can't believe it! Why? We were so happy before this civil war came. Before the war Mother would sing and play our piano before bed and during holidays. Now though, she just doesn't have the heart, because Father and Josh left to fight in the war. Now John wants to go. He was too young when Father and Josh left. John, though, is determined to fight whether Mother and I like it or not. August 5, 1862 John is going. This morning he left to register and when he came back he told Mother and I that he was going to Father and Josh's side. I looked at him, really looked at him, and realized he might not come home. August 10, 1862 John left only and hour ago and I already miss him. I almost cried while we waited for the train that would take John away from Mother and I. John stopped me though. He said, "Don't cry Sarah. Keep your chin up and be strong and brave for Father, Josh, me, and especially Mother. She needs your strength. Be good and stay out of trouble. I will come back, don't you worry." I smiled at him and nodded as the train pulled up. John got on and the train pulled out. I waved to John until I couldn't see him any longer. I turned around to find my mother fighting back tears and I said, "Let's go home, Mother, and get some dinner." She nodded and we walked home. August 15, 1862 We got word from Father today. Josh is sick with malaria. The doctors think he will die, he is so sick. I pray that Josh gets well and comes home for Mother's sake. Mother organized some of her friends into a sewing group. I asked Mother to show me how to sew again, because I had tried to learn a long time ago, but I never did understand it. August 20, 1862 Josh is dead. When Mother got the news she went into a state of shock that she came out of when the sewing group came over. I just shook my head and went to write to John. August 25, 1862 I finished the sock I was working on. I caught on to sewing this time. John wrote and said that his regiment was moving out under his commander's orders. John was going to Father's side. August 30, 1862 Mother's sewing group is doing well. All they talk about, though, is the war. Why can't they talk of something else? Talking of the war is only good if there is news to exchange, otherwise it is upsetting. Father wrote saying that he and John were getting drilled and drilled until they could not stand a minute longer from sheer exhaustion. Another battle must be on the way if the soldiers are being drilled so much. September 10, 1862 I have not written much because of Father and John. They are being moved toward Antietam Creek near Sharpsburg, Maryland. Mother is worried. She doesn't think Father and John will make it home. September 20, 1862 News has finally arrived about the Battle of Antietam. About 50,000 Confederate troops led by General Lee had attempted an invasion of us, but they were intercepted by a Union army of 70,000 men under the command of General McClellan. One of those 70,000 men was my father and another was John. The Union lost 12,000 men and the Confederates lost about 12,700 men. The Confederates retreated across the Potomac River the next day, making the Battle of Antietam a Union victory! September 25, 1862 Father is dead! He died during the battle. Mother cried and cried. John is severely wounded. He will come home after his wounds are taken care of. That I am happy about. September 30, 1862 John is on his way home. Mother is busy planning his favorite meals and getting the house clean for his arrival. Every day I wait in anticipation of his arrival. October 5, 1862 John is home! He looked sad; which I can see why, he basically watched thousands, which included Father, die. John told of the heroism, courage, and sadness of the battle and I am glad he is not going back, even though it is just because of his wounds. John thanked me for my encouraging letters and my courage. I then went to my room and cried for the first time since my father and Josh left. I also knew that I would have to watch young men leave and maybe never come back because of the war, which I know will last a long time and hurt many people. |