The identity of this soldier may be lost to history, but the essence of their message resonates powerfully among countless Union soldiers witnessing the war’s end—an end that promises the restoration of the Union, yet carries a seismic shift: the abolishment of slavery on a national scale.

T R A N S CR I P T I O N

Mother, I want you be patient with me a few moments longer. There are some events taking place at the Capitol that proves that our bleeding has not been in vain. On Tuesday, the last day of January, Congress did at the City of Washington then and there sitting, by a two-third vote of both houses, pass a resolution amending the Constitution, so as to abolish the institution Slavery that has come so near to destroy us as a nation. It is wiped off we hope forever. Since this war commenced Maryland [and] Missouri have by the volunteer act of their own legislatures become free states. Washington, the National Capitol, instead of being a mart for the sale of human chattel has become free & now forever our dear old flag floats to the wind. It floats over freeman. It has cost oceans of blood to wash out the stain from our nation’s character, but mother, we will be thankful that it is done at last. It is worth something to have lived and acted in this great revolution. It is worth more to have been on the right side. The consciousness that in this life struggle we wrestle for our country, not against her. It is worth something to remember that when our country was fighting for existence, we were not “copperheads.” We have given dear loved ones in our country’s cause. They have fallen with their harness on; although we may mourn their loss, we are not ashamed of their memory.

Mother, don’t think me altogether a coward when I say that I wish that the efforts now being made may end in peace. I don’t want the government to abate any just demands nor stop until the old sore is cut completely out by the roots and the Johnnie’s acknowledge that Uncle Samuel is the only Boss that can be tolerated in this country, but I would be glad if peace came soon.

I learn that you have been very sick ever since I came away. Hope that this may find you on the gain. I want you to make up your mind to live until I come home again. One can’t always live as long as they are a mind to, but the will has a good deal to do with it. I think if I live to come home again, that my duty will be at home the rest of my days. Don’t think that they will get me in the army again. Think that I can afford to stay home.

If you get well enough to write, won’t you write me a letter. If not, have Mary write for you. I think Dad might write if he is a mind to. Tell me if any of you have heard from Bud since the Battle of Nashville. I wrote a letter to Tinan [?] some 3 or 4 weeks ago. Got no answer. Wrote our brother Cyrus some 1 week ago. Got no answer. How bad I feel.

I must close this. Remember me in your prayers. Pray that I may do my duty. If I ever come back, no one can say that we run away from the foe. Goodbye. God grant we may see each other in peace. Five my love to dad, Mary, and the little folks, — Con