A song for the Union (bonus)

T'was before the war in 1860 when I captured John Brown raiding Harper's Ferry (I know that was a while  ago but i still remember it :]). So he was in his cell and i was on guard duty for his corridor and then he goes "Mr. Lee may I have a scrap of paper?" I look at him and I was very surprised. I asked him why and he said "I dunno just wanted to jot something down. So, as a good guard, I got him a pen and some paper and then he started writing a lot of stuff down on it. But not in the form of a letter, it was like he was writing a poem. When he was done he asked me "Mr. Lee can you revise this for spelling errors?" I was so shocked at his request, I thought it was a trap but it wasn't every few minutes I would glance up from the paper to see what old John was doing and he just looked at me and said "Well, how is it?" I just shrugged and kept reading. It was interesting to tell you the truth. I told him I would keep it, and copy it when my shift ended and give him his original copy. So that's what I did. I'll leave you guys with my copy of his song (I'll attach a video at a future date):

It has profanity....

1865 Blog

April 21, 1865

Dear Mary,

The Union army has inflicted many casualties on our army. Leaving us with only 25,000 men. Our men are hungry and are low on supplies. This is why I made the decision to surrender to Grant. I guess it was the right decision. We are now a part of the United States again. It was quite a casual event, he wore tattered clothes while I wore my last best uniform. He was very courteous and reminded me that we had known each other in the Mexican-American War. He gave us 25,000 rations. We had to hand over our weapons, our flags and our will to fight them. Luckily I was able to keep Traveler and the musket I brought from home- just like the other soldiers. I will be home very soon. All I need is one more train ride.

With love,
Robert

1864 Blog

December 22, 1864

Dear Mary,

I think it is only right to save you the trouble of listening to the horrid Union rumors that fly around in Virginia. So Sherman's March was way to extreme, the Union says it "was necessary to subdue the South". No, they are false, don't believe that. The truth is they marched to Atlanta pretty worn out because they were low on resources and our armies kept clashing. We had wanted to hold out until November to seek peace from the new president, but alas no. The Union sabotaged our plan once again, they just had to march from Atlanta to Savannah setting slaves free (which we agree with) and burning, destroying and robbing the civilian's property (that is what is excess). I'm sure Rooney would have loved to watch it after all he loves the bonfires at our camping trips, I'm sure he would have  loved to see the city set ablaze. While our six other children watch in terror, Rooney would probably have a bucket of popcorn on his lap watching the battle unfold. :)Anyway I just wanted to let you know if the Yanks give you a hard time about that now you know the facts. :) Oh and tell Agnes and Annie they did a really good job on their painting and that they should make more :)

I'll be home soon, I promise:
Robert

Annie and Agnes (bonus)

My daughters Annie and Agnes drew this picture and sent it to me. I always keep it in my haversack.