June 10, 1862

Dear diary,
All we wanted was a peaceful secession and look at what it brought. I somewhat see how it is
important to keep the union together yet I still believe it was for the best. I have recently met
my general. His name is Robert E. Lee. He seems like a very rough but smart man. The word
going around the base is that he turned down an offered made by the president of the United
States to become a general for their army. At the moment I am currently a captain but real
close to becoming a major. I have a brother named Wesley that fights in the Union. I never
understood why though. I fear what will happen in the near future, but I hope I get to hear
from him soon.
Charles

December 2, 1864
Today was a very devastating day. We have lost most of our ammunition and guns. I do believe
this war is coming to an end. Although I know its not my brothers fault but I cannot believe
that he was a part of such a horrible thing. Maybe this is a good thing. The sooner the war ends
the sooner all of this will be over. But I do not believe the confederate states will be able to
recover from what has been done. Mother has been sending me letters lately saying that my
brothers ok which is nice to hear. I really do hope that the both of them are ok by the end of
this war.
Charles

December 15, 1862

Mother has told me that Wesley, my brother, has met the president. What a lucky man! If only I
could meet my president, Jefferson Davis. Mother tells me that my brother praises Lincoln a lot
saying what amazing man he is, but unfortunately I must disagree with his wonderfulness.
We have lost too many people and all because of him and his general. Im sure he seems like a
good man on your side, but over here hes the devil. I do have some news thats very important
to me. I have ranked up to a Major General. I should really start writing to my brother to see
how hes doing.
Charles

January 5, 1863
I cannot express my hatred towards the Union in a single diary entry, but I will try my best. This
is the exact reason this war started. The fact that they are freeing our slaves that rightfully
belong to us makes me furious. We will keep fighting until we get what we want no matter
what cost. I still do not wish for the death or even the harming of my brother but if thats what
will show him that this war is not over then thats what will have to happen.
Charles
July 12, 1863
Days ago I saw my brother for the first time. It was not the meeting I was hoping for but none
the less it was a meeting. We met during the horrible, bloody battle of Gettysburg. That day I
killed five of the Unions soldiers, right in front of his. After that he charged at me and we
ended up getting into a brutal fight. He was surely going to kill me if we did not have the order
to retreat. I wish it had not gone down like that but I guess there was no other option. I left that
battle field with a broken rib and black eye. I do hope I get better soon.
Charles

January 4, 1865
I have gotten the opportunity to talk with my brother face to face. But not exactly the way I
imagined it. He was captured and imprisoned in the Andersonville Prison. Fortunately I am a
guard there. A lot of the prisoners there a=have many diseases that will surely kill them. I just
hope that the same will not happen to my brother. Ive been giving him food and fresh water
trying to keep him healthy but its very difficult. Theres not much of that around the prison. A
lot of prisoners try to escape to the nearest stream of fresh water which is past the Dead Line.
The Dead Line is a small line that keeps the prisoners from escaping. If they cross they will
immediately get shot. A man had gotten shot for having his arm just inches over the Dead Line.
I hope my brother is smart enough to not try anything that will get him killed.
Charles

April 9, 1865
Today is a sad but great day. The war is over! I have heard from mother telling me that Wesley
is fine and she wants us to come home together. I am glad that the war has finally ended but

much of the south needs a lot of emotional and physical help when it comes to rebuilding. I
remember saying that president Lincoln was a bad man. He wants to try and help the south
rebuild instead of letting us do it ourselves. He was very kind towards us former confederates.
Im starting to see why you think hes such a great man. I hope to see my brother and mother
very soon. But it might be a while before that.
Charles