Lincoln

Lincoln

Lincoln believed that if he didn't pass the amendment, then more people from the south would be able to vote to keep slavery. This was why he needed it passed before the war was over. As the movie progresses you can see that he becomes personally passionate about ending slavery. This also comes across in the letters he wrote. In the movie, many people had lots of different opinions. There was no clear-cut way to what everyone believed because they thought that the amendment should or shouldn't pass based on reasons that might not even have anything to do with race. This is what complicated arguments. One of the reasons that people did not want to end slavery was because they were afraid of what would happen if those many slaves were freed: they would lose their power.

These are a series of 5 letters from the civil war all on the topic of soldiers writing to their loved ones. All of these letters have one thing in common: one can tell that the soldier longs to be back with their loved ones and not knowing when that time will come gives them uncertainty, but also hope in their life. 


"Camp near Lanjer, Ark.

May 10th 1863.

My Dear Amanda,
It has been a long time since I had an opportunity of writing to you, and I gladly avail myself of the present opportunity. I am not certain that I will have a chance of sending this but I will write a few lines any how and try and get it off to let you know that I am among the living.

We have been on a raid into Ms. but I have not time to give you the particulars of our trip. I will write in a few days if I can get a chance to send it and write you a long one. I just came off of picket and found the boys all writing to send by a man that has been discharged who is going to start home this morning. I was quite sick three or four days while in Mo. but have entirely recovered. We captured a good many prisoners while in Mo. and killed a good many. We went up as high as Jackson 8 or 10 miles above Cape Girardeau. We fought them nearly all day at the Cape on Sunday two weeks ago today. The yanks boasted that we would never get back to Ark but they were badly mistaken, for we are back again and have sustained but very light loss, we never lost a man out of our company and only one or two out of the regt. I wish I had time to give you a full description of our trip. It would be very interesting to you I know; but you will have to put up with this little scrawl for the present. I am in hopes that I will get a whole package of letters from you in a few days. I never wanted to see you half as bad in all my life as I do now. I would give anything in the world to see you and the children. I have no idea when I will have that pleasure. We can't get any news here - do not know what is going on in the outside world. The boys will all write as soon as they get a chance to send them off.

We will remain in this vicinity, I expect for some time to recruit our horses. Our horses are sadly worsted. We found plenty to eat and to feed our horses on in Mo but hardly even had time to feed or eat as we traveled almost insesantly night and day. We could get any amount of bacon of the very best kind at 10 cts and every thing else in proportion.

I must close for fear I do not get to send my letter off. Write offten I will get them some time. I will write every chance, do not be uneasy when you do not get letters, for when we are scouting around as we have been it is impossible to write or to send them off if we did write. Give my love to the old Lady and all the friends. My love and a thousand kisses to my own sweet Amanda and our little boys. How my heart yearns for thou that are so near and dear to me. Goodbye my own sweet wife, for the present. Direct to Little Rock as ---.

As ever your devoted and loving Husband, J.C. Morris.

Mrs. A.N. Morris."

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This letter was written by J. C. Morris to his wife Amanda on May 10th, 1863. Morris was part of the Texas Calvery, Company F. Ms 1992-013. The Texas Cavalry was a unit of Confederate soldiers. He was in a camp near Lanjer, Arkansas when he sent the letter. 

Gallotin, Tenn.July 25, 1864. 

Dear Miss,

I again take the opportunity of Droping you a few lines in answer to your kind letters which I recieved a few days ago one bearing date June"23" the other June the "24"it was a plesure to me to have the honor to recieve a letter from as charming a young girl as the one whos name was asscirbed at the bottom of each of them I was glad to hear that you was well but I was more glad to hear you express your mind as fully as what you did this note leaves me well and I truly hope that this will find you in good health I can't say anthing to you by letter more than what you have heard from my letters before + Jane I hope the time will soon come when I can get to see you again I can write many things to you but if I could see you I could tell you more in one minute than I can rite in aweek The letters that you wrote to me has proved verry satisfactory to meif you will stand up to what you told me in your letters I will be satisfied which I have no reasons to Doubt but what you will but if you was to fail it would allmost break my heart for you are the girl that Iam Depending upon and if it was not for you I would not be riting by mycandle to night as you wrote to me that many miles seperated us in person if my heart was like yours we would be united in heart you kneed not to Dout Though we are fare apart at present my heart is with you everymoment for I often think of you when you are alseep when Travailing the lonesom roads in middle Tenn The thought of your sweet smiles is all the company I have I trust that you are cinsere in what you have wrote to me.Your sparkling blue eys and rosey red cheeks has gaind my whole efectionsI hope for the time to come when we shall meet again then if you are in the notion that I am we can pass off the time in plesure My time has come for sleep and I must soon close I want you to rite to me as soon as you can for I will be glad to hear from you any time.Direct your letters as before and dont forget your best friend so I will end my few lines but mylove to you has no Endremember me as ever your love and friend. Excusebad riting.

William F. Testerman to Miss Jane Davis

This letter was written by William F. Testermen to Miss Jane Davis. He was a first lieutenant In Company C of the Tennessee calavery. Based on the language used, it is easy to tell this person was not the most educated.

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Brandy Station,

Sunday night, Nov. 1 [1863]

My dear Mollie
I rcd a letter today from a very handsome lady to play cupid. Although not accompanied by her likeness yet her image was so indelibly impressed upon my mind that the likeness itself could not recall the features more vividly than they are impressed. I first met her in a village in Western Va when I was about 17 years old and she 8. I afterwards saw her frequently and occasionally was in her company, and nonwithstanding the disparity of our ages, I became so favorably impressed with her fair face and gentle manners that I frequently said to myself that I wished she was older or I younger.

In 3 to 4 years she had grown so much that the disparity in age seemed to grow less. Never did a lady witness the budding of a flower with more requisite pleasure than did I the budding of that pretty little girl into womanhood. She made much of my thoughts while in Mexico and more upon my return home. While at the University of Va., I not infrequently found my thoughts wandering from the dry textbook to contemplate by the aid of memory the features and form of this little girl.

After I completed my studies, I traveled in the west and expected to find a home in some western state, but not finding a place to suit me, together with the persuasions of that fair face, induced me to return.

I entered, as you know, actively into the pursuit of my profession with the determination to make at least a fair reputation and tried to withdraw my thought from everything else, but I found this little fairy constantly and pleasantly intruding into all my plans, whether of pleasure or interest. At this period she met me politely and respectfully but seemed to grow more distant, coy & reserved, so that I frequently thought that even the ordinary attentions of common politeness & courtesy were no special source of pleasure to her.

In a few instances when she has arrived at about the age of 15 this shyness and reserve seemed to be forgotten, and I would pass an hour or two in the enjoyment of her company with great pleasure to myself and I imagined with at least satisfaction, if not enjoyment, to her. I began to think that my happiness was identified with hers. I began to pay her special visits or at least seek opportunities by which I might be in her company. I sought her society on pleasure rides and thought it not a hardship to ride 65 miles in 24 hours if part of the time might be spent with her. She always exhibited or observed the decorum of modest reserve which might be construed into neither encouragement nor discouragement.

After the delibertation & reflection which I thought due to a matter which involved my happiness for life, I felt that her destiny and mine were probably intended to be united, and that all the adverse counsel which I could give myself could bring no objections. I felt that I ought both as a matter of duty and happiness give my whole life to her, who for 9 years had my attention and devotion, though concealed love.

After a few little billets and interviews, and with a full declaration of the love I desired to bestow, I received a measured and loving response and was made most happy in the anticipation of the celebration of the nuptials fixed at some 6 months hence. This time glided nicely & happily, though not too rapidly, away from me. The hours of leisure were spent with her and my visits were always welcomed with that cordial welcome, that maiden modesty, so much to be admired. Tis true that on one occasion she did rest her elbow upon my knee and look with confidential pleasure in my face and made me realize that indeed I had her whole heart.

Suffice it to say, the happy day of our marriage arrived and since then, hours, days, and years of time, confidence & happiness passed rapidly away, and only to make us feel that happy as were the hours of youthful days, they compare not with those of later years and perhaps even these may not be equal to that which is in reserve for us.

I dont know how much pleasure it affords you to go over these days of the past, but to me they will ever be remembered as days of felicity. And how happy the thought that years increase the affection & esteem we have for each other to love & be loved. May it ever be so, and may I ever be a husband worthy of your warmest affections. May I make you happy and in so doing be made happy in return. A sweet kiss and embrace to your greeting.

But maybe you will say it looks ridiculous to see a man getting grayhaired to be writing love letters, so I will use the remnant of my paper otherwise...

Yours affectionately H Black

This letter was written by Harvey Black from Virginia to his wife Mary. He was a surgeon to the Army of Northern Virginia. This letter is written in a more sophisticated way with poetic lines that express his love for Mary. 

Camp of the 11th NY Battery.

Feby 9th 1864

Dear Hattie
Pardon the affectionate familiarity but you know its all in fun. Your charming little epistle has just reached me, and I do myself the honor to answer it immediately, thus complying with your request to write soon.

Before proceeding farther truth and candor compel me to acknowledge that a little desception was used in the advertisement in the "Waverly." In other words my true description differs materially from the one therein set forth, and may not please you as well as the one "fancy painted," but I thought it was all for fun, therefore funningly gave a fictitious description as well as cognomen. Be it known unto you then, this individual is twenty-nine years of age, five feet and eleven inches high, dark blue eyes, brown hair, and light (ruddy) complexion. There you have it. How do you like the descripion? Me thinks I hear you answer. I dont like it so well as the advertised description. Well! I'll admit it is not quite so fascinating to a young lady as the fictitious one, but it is a fixed fact, "like the laws of the Medes and Persians," which altereth not. But enough of that topic for the present! The next thing, will undoubtedly be something else.

It is said, that a person's writing is indication of their character, if so, judging from your letter, I take you to be of one that class know as "romps" - a class by the way, which I rather admire. Commend me to a girl who has life and animation enough to enjoy the harmless pleasures of this beautiful world, in preference to your "Miss Prim," who would not dare to laugh in louder tones than a whimpering sentimental snicker, for fear of overstepping the bounds of etiquette.

No indeed! None of your "Miss Prims" for me. I love the gaily ringing laugh of true and gladsome hearts. Of course I would not have a young lady act in an imbecoming or unladylike manner, but I believe in giving free scope to thou joyous feelings, implanted in the soul by a wise and kind "creator" to cheer us through life's checkered pathway looking over the -----. Could you have been within hearing distance when I read you letter, you would have heard a laugh that made this old tent ring, especially when I came to the sentence, "Sing Heigh Ho for a husband" - I just laid back in my chair + roared - thats decidedly rich! I don't suppose that you entertain thoughts of Matrimony. Who ever knows a young lady that did? but if so you have my best wishes that your song may be speedily answered, on condition, that I have an invitation to the wedding.

You say you have returned from boarding school for a few months on account of delicate health. No doubt it is great treat for you, to again be, with the loved ones at home. I do not wonder at your hating boarding school, for as generally conducted they are about as injurious to girls health, as beneficial to her education. I firmly believe that hundreds of girls die annually from the pernicious effects of boarding school training. I presume the description given of yourself is partly fictitious. I aught not to doubt a lady word, but am aware that in correspondence of this character a great deal of description is generally used.

I promised on the honor of a gentleman and soldier that I have thus far given a true description of myself, it remains for me to add that I was formerly a private, but am now a Lieut in Uncle Samuel's service and that my true name is signed to this letter. Enclosed please find carte-de-visites of your incognito, when you answer this which I hope you will do without fail - be kind enough to give a correct description and enclose a carte-de-visite, or Photograph, of your own sweet self.

The enclosed picture is not as good as it might be - they eyes are too light, the features however and general expression of the countenance are natural.

You ask for a description of "camp life," but I have written so much other stuff I will defer that until another time, suffice it to say the "Blue Jackets" are pretty comfortably situated - for soldiers - in winter quarters, where they will probably remain until the time comes for then sally forth to me - the traitorous "grey back" in battle array. When that time shall

This letter has some mystery to it. For one it stops suddenly, mid-sentence. The next page could have been lost in the chaos of the war. Who wrote the letter is also unknown. What is known is that it was from a soldier in the 11th New York Battery written on February 9th, 1864

Hospital No. 12, Nashville, Tenn.
May 7th 1863

Dear Maggie!

Once more with great pleasure I embrace a few moments to write you a short letter. I wrote to you a short time since and shortly after I started mine I received a very kind letter from you. It seems that all our letters pass each other on the road. "speck" they say "How do you do" or make use of some familiar phrase.

Wish the writers could meet as often as their letters do. strange wish, "ain't" it. and not very strange neither. You know we can't refrain from wishing, but I wish that our wishes could come to pass. Oh! Maggie! I have written so often to you that I expect you are getting wearied reading my disinterested letters. but let me assure you it is not so with me. Your letters are received by me with the greatest pleasure, and a beating heart always waits a reply. I have written a good many letters to other girls. Letters of friendship, but those I write to you. I want you to receive them for more than mere friendship. For let me say that your memory is ever dear to me and if we never again meet on Earth I shall ever Cherish the fond remembrance of Thee, and think of the pleasant hours passed in your society, but let me indulge the hope that we may again meet ere long.

I cannot yet see much sign of the war Closing but I always try to hope fo the Best.

I suppose You was a thousand times glad to welcome the returns of your soldier Brothers.

I imagine I see Maggie when she first got a peep of Nixon. I want you to give me the particulars of your first meeting. I was glad to hear of Nixon getting his discharge. I received a letter from him when he was about ready to start home. I was somewhat surprised when I received the news of his going but he did his duty in the army. And I know his discharge is an honorable one. I have not yet answered his last letter. And I beleive I will wait till I get a letter from him at home if he has not yet written tell him I want him to write immediately.

A great many left no. 12 day before yesterday for Louisville. I could have gone had I so desired but I thought it not a very desirable place from Nixons description of affairs there. We have a new surgeon in Charge. He is quite a young man + I presume a very fine man + skillful Physician but I must stop. Now dont forget to write often. I will pledge myself to answer Your letters immediately on their reception if you will do the same "Aint" that fair?

Well goodbye Dear Maggie hoping to hear from you soon.

I am every Yours
sincerely
Henry
farewell oh no it cannot be
Direct as before

This letter is from William Henery Ruse writing to Maggie Stewart. He was in the 97th Ohio volunteer regiment. In the first line, he says "I embrace a few moments to write you a short letter" it shows how he spends his downtime writing back home.  

Fugitive Slave Law 3

The 13th amendment states "Neither slavery nor involuntary servitude, except as a punishment for crime whereof the party shall have been duly convicted, shall exist within the United States, or any place subject to their jurisdiction." The 13th amendment is similar to the Emancipation Proclamation but there are differences. The Emancipation Proclamation did not apply to everyone and was not as official as the 13th amendment; it relied on the Union winning The Civil War 1. The Emancipation Proclamation is what lead to the 13th amendment being passed by the House of Representatives which applied to everyone 2. 




Sources:  1 https://prologue.blogs.archives.gov/2013/01/03/emancipation-proclamation-the-13th-amendment/ 

2 https://www.ourdocuments.gov/doc.php?flash=false&doc=40 

3 https://americanhistory.abc-clio.com/Search/Display/327740?terms=constitution+cartoon&sType=quick

The History of the American Flag

Old Glory

The red, white, and blue American flag have been an icon of the US for a very long time. When and where the idea of the flag was first formed is unknown but some historians believe the design came from Francis Hopkinson and sewn by Betsy Ross 1. The flag was changed many times up until 1960 to better represent each state of the US. The 13 stripes represent the original 13 colonies and the 50 stars represent each state. The colors: red, white, and blue represent hardiness/valor, purity/innocence, and vigilance/justice, respectively 2. The nickname "Old Glory" was given by a sea captain William Driver. The Star-spangled Banner is partly responsible for making the flag into a famously known symbol about the values and history in the US. Thanks to the song, the flag is very well respected as it represents freedom and the prevalence of the US soldiers in the Battle of Baltimore 3.        

History Timeline

1. Chapter 2 page 58

2. The Pilgrims

3. The text was talking about the pilgrims and how they moved to America. The events of the Mayflower Compact occurred when they first arrived. It shows how they were able to self-govern themselves.

4. The group was led by William Bradford

8. The purpose of today's work was to learn more about an event in history while also learning about the different sections of the textbook and how it's organized.


Illustration of the Pilgrims signing the Mayflower Compact

1. The standards Bess follows when citing his work include the title of the book, the author, the publisher, the date of publication, and a page number in the notes. He puts the title of the book first and then the author. He puts the author's first name before the last name. Then he puts the publication date followed by the page number. He uses Ibid when using a source two times in a row. Putting Ibid and a page number is an abbreviation for the same source directly above it with a different page number. Ibid can be used as many times in a row until a different source interrupts the chain.

2. The annotated notes could include additional information or information from primary sources. Additional information includes information that he did not want to put in the book because it could interrupt the flow of it or make the writing have too much information.

3.  When Bess's notes don't include a page number, it usually means that he is backing up his book with a broader idea from a source, not a specific quote or statement from a source. It could also be analytical of a fact that relates to an idea that is not in a direct source.

4. Bess uses footnotes by sentences that reference an annotation or credit a source.

5. Bess is just stating his ideas and supporting the ideas with evidence from other books.