Soldier Reflections

The first few documents focusing on the soldiers come from the early part of the war in 1861 and 1862. It is interesting to see how the language changes to the two last documents which are dated from 1863. The earlier documents seem a bit naive about the war and the ensuing combat. The later documents seem to evoke more of a desperate tone. The key document that sums up the mood of the early part of the war for the soldiers is Charlie Willis' diary from 1862. In this exempt, he wished for more action and complained of boredom. However, Tally Simpson's letter from 1863 shows the language of a soldier who has had to endure a number of battles and setbacks. His demeanor is much more sober and pessimistic than the documents from a year earlier. In the end, he sees a crushing defeat of the Confederate army, which, as a Confederate soldier, saddens him but he has resolved himself to continue the fight because it is God's will that he fight and die. It is interesting to observe how confidence dwindles as the war moves on.