CWT Serial 1 Seth & M

[johan_steele]

First installment of the Serial... I know this will only get better, I hope all enjoy and have an opportunity to learn something new through resarch and new interest.

 

[johan_steele]

The letter that started the idea... it is important for continuity.

My Dearest Sister

This last week has been an interesting time, once again we are assigned to Provost duty. It has been an easy time as the cutthroats and thieves have been noticeably absent and the Secesh have kept their mouths shut. However, we have had the distasteful task of verifying the papers of brothels throughout the city. As these are thought to be the places spies hide it is a necessary evil. Though, it is my own belief that officers just like to visit such places with official sanction.
Corporal Steele says these women are just trying to earn a living. They make far more than the fifty cents a week an honest woman can expect and they rarely have to look for food or a roof to sleep under. Though, he is quick to say that I should stay far away from such dens of inequity. I agree, though when the surgeon came and got a detail of the Provost Guard as escort we have little choice of what kind of sinful place we will visit. The women at this house required the attentions of a surgeon as he said that several men who had visited had been given a "gift" that they could not be loosed of. The surgeon wanted us along to enforce quarantine if he felt it necessary. It was not a detail I thought I might enjoy.
The surgeon says that they are women who live in sin and as such have no hope of redemption. Their souls are lost and they should be treated as such. I wonder what our parson might say of such, I know that the bible says that Jesus forgave Mary Magdalene her sins, how can we do less?
The mistress of the house accused the surgeon of being a hypocrite, visiting on Friday and returning to harass the house on Sunday. We all looked to the surgeon and saw his face color; we knew then that she spoke the God honest truth. Steele spoke to the woman in French and soon learned the truth. It would appear that the surgeon believed that he might blackmail the house into waiving his fee in exchange for being exempted from any quarantine. The mistress of the house had refused and here was the surgeon with a Provost detail in tow. We were not amused to be used in such a manner.
The Corporal informed the surgeon that he would make a full report to the Captain if the surgeon attempted such a thing again. I think we need fear no such action as the surgeon knows the Captain to be an honest and efficient officer who takes his duty seriously.
The ladies insisted upon inviting us into their parlor for a pleasant meal. It was disconcerting to share a room with women who live their lives in carnal sin. I cannot lie and must admit that I was sorely tempted by their loveliness. I need not tell you that I kept myself free from such sin. Though, the temptation was great.
On the march back to camp Corporal Steele explained that many a soldier knew only the gentleness of a soiled doves embrace. To many soldiers, women such as those in the house were their only comfort. The surgeon scoffed and made the comment that the Corporal only spoke such to assuage his own guilt for having visited such houses before. I do not believe the surgeon realizes how close he came to death this afternoon as all of us know well how the Corporal idolizes his wife and would do nothing to dishonor her.
I was sorely troubled by our visit to that house; the actions of the surgeon were a disgrace to the Union and dishonored the men who wear the same uniform as he. When we had service that eve I entered the chapel to see the surgeon sitting near Mrs. Steele. I was so angered that I left the chapel afraid that I might accuse the surgeon of ungodly conduct in front of the entire congregation.
The Corporal lurked outside the church smoking his pipe as he often does when a service is conducted. I told him that I was not certain God existed any longer. That the surgeon was not struck down on the spot struck me as proof that there was no God. And that Religion was a useless tool anymore in such a world. Steele laughed and called me a fool if I believed so. His words were so apt that I thought I must take up pen and tell you of them. "There is nothing wrong with religion it gives hope to those who have none. Without faith in God the hopeless are denied even hope. Hope and prayer gives a man a reason to keep going when all else is lost." His words touched my soul and I eagerly took them to heart. When I questioned him as to why he only rarely partook in church services he smiled and told me that he didn't wish to be present in church if God should change his mind and turn him into a pillar of fire for his sins, he was content to pray in his own way and listen to the joyful noises made unto the lord in the chapel. He then pitched me into the church with such force that I stumbled and made quite the racket. The parson was kind enough to make me the focal point of his sermon.
After the service at supper one of the new recruits made some boasts that were generally ignored by the veterans of the company. He is young and full of <font color="ff0000">•</font><font color="ff0000">•</font><font color="ff0000">•</font><font color="ff0000">•</font> and wind. He will soon see that there is far more to being a soldier than bravado and boasts. I am scarcely three years older than he and can remember when I was such, it seems so long ago. I have held my place in line upon countless fields of battle and twice been wounded. Never have I fled from danger though fear has gripped my heart many a time. Those that say they have never experienced fear in battle are either fools or liars. I have thought to run several times but the presence of men I knew and friends from home sharing the same danger and fear kept me in line by their presence alone. They faced the same fears as I without fleeing the danger, I could do nothing less. I tell you little sister that when a soldier goes to battle he is challenged as much by his own fear as by the enemy. I believe that these fears are as dangerous as the enemy, if not at times more so.
I eagerly wait your letters as they are a welcome medicine for my heart and soul. To know that the family is safe and free from the attentions of an Armies occupation is a godsend. If we were not here the Rebels would be there and then your larder would be empty, stripped empty by foragers. The woodpile next to the barn would be gone and the fences for miles around taken to provide fuel for the voracious cook fires of the army. The horses and mules would be appropriated to pull wagons or guns or to provide remounts for the cavalry. All other stock would furnish cooking pots with food for hungry soldiers, the apple tree in front of the house would be plucked bare and the garden and fields stripped and trampled barren. You would have to beg for a guard to be placed at the door; of coarse this would be denied as our family is known to support the Union. You would fear from abuse from not only soldiers of the rebel army but from deserters from the army that had failed you. God has smiled upon us that no army will ever approach our home. I see an Army as a scourge of God punishing indiscriminately those who are in its path.

Keep me in your prayers as I need them.

God Bless and keep you Little Sister

Your Brother Seth

(Message edited by johan_steele on November 04, 2004)

 

[johan_steele]

Sir:

By providence I have discovered where your unit is situated, and it is my heart's desire that you will receive this letter before your surgeon visits our establishment again. The regard I have for this doctor is riddled with disdain, and I and my other frail sisters have been visited by him under the cloak of darkness on more than one occasion. It is a strange brew that a Man of God, practiced in the art of medicine, can never seem to avail his professional services in the kinder light of day. This irony is not lost on me and indeed we often laugh ourselves to tears regarding your doctor's inability to provide medical treatment to an afflicted lady, without expecting another service in return.
I feel no remorse that you will find me even bolder than my profession dictates of me, but I felt a silent communication between you and I last evening and although I risk all if this letter is intercepted, or reported, I felt compelled to write and explain what your eyes told me you questioned.
I have no wish to offer a lengthy explanation or grandiose story as to why at the tender age of 20, I am peddling my own flesh in such a sinful way. But I can tell you that not so long ago, I washed my hair by the warmth and light of a fire, and filled a home with love and laughter. I have prayed that my Heavenly Father would bestow the blessings of a little son or daughter into what I thought was a joyful union. I can offer no earthly reason why my husband saw fit to desert me and the home that I had grown to love. To discover that there was no savings, protection or alternative plan for my well being was more than my youthful heart could bear. My husband did not join the army, which also makes him a coward of the worst kind, and this much I discovered after relentless searching, and many painful and embarrassing queries. With no family left to offer temporary shelter and protection from the wretchedness of this cruel and fast world, I believe, Sir, that you might in good Christian conscience, understand my circumstances. My lack of means led me to consider sins of the flesh in order to keep flesh on my bones. I lost my romantic school girl notions long ago and have replaced this innocence with a brittle reality that even the most devote confession would not break.
Alone in my thoughts, I sometimes believe that my profession serves more purpose to the army than those of a more legitimate nature. I dare not speak of the intimate details of my employment as a ceiling expert, but I can assure you that just as many men come here for comfort, or simply to pass the evening with a fine meal, and quiet conversation with the lady of their choice. I had a gentlemen procure my services recently who wanted nothing more than a good night's sleep in a bed with the warmth of a woman by his side. It is not always drunken, lewd and provocative behaviour in our establishment. I like to think that we nourish lost souls as well.
On those evenings when a gentlemen requests conversation only, I am reminded that I am a thinking, feeling, living female, walking a fine line between Madonna and Magdelene. I can almost feel respectable again, if only for an evening. A regular client of mine fancies himself half in love with me and would gladly marry me, he insists, if not for the fact that he already has a wife at home and six lively children. But even so, I fear that at my tender age, I am now jaded by the empty promises of men and trust no one but myself to ensure my future happiness. My hope is to retire from this profession when this cursed war is over, move to a more fair and less judgmental climate, and open a small but profitable book store. A healthier profession I think you would agree.
I will gladly tell you that I see myself as a soldier in my own right and I think you might agree with me, though you might find my musings somewhat adle-brained in the eyes of a soldier. But consider the risk to health that my sisters and I endure and the injuries and often death at the hands of an abusive drunkard. We do have shelter and a bountiful meal every day, but we are often at the mercy of our clients. Although your surgeon may save lives on the battlefield, he has come close to taking lives in this place that I call home.
In closing, I would be pleased to send you a copy of Dante Gabriel Rossetti's "Jenny" which perhaps would awaken you with respect to the tender feelings of the author towards a girl such as I, yet the shackles of his own hypocricy remain unshaken. When next you find your unit on official business to our house, I hope that you will find favour in sitting next to me in the parlour, where perhaps we could discuss this further.

Prayers are appreciated, no matter what your perspective.

Respectfully, M.

 

[johan_steele]

Ms M

We were not certain who your letter was intended for and addressed as it was to the French Corporal of the Guard it was guaranteed to find itself into the hands of Corporal Steele. He is a good man who often is confused with someone of great learning. He says he speaks three languages: French, Dutch and English with enough Turkish and Russian to get himself into trouble. I think he jests as I know him to speak three languages fluently and they are English, bad English and Drunkenese. While he has been a man of many travels our illustrious Corporal has never managed to learn the ways of the letter. His wife, Mrs. Steele has been trying to teach him and I do believe he is eager to learn, but I think he has had no luck as of yet. He inherited a copy of Blackstone from our first Sgt Major when he died and he has been trying to puzzle his way through it. I think if he can, he will one day do himself well. Perhaps he will even find himself in business.
We soldiers appreciate any letters we receive. Yours has been passed throughout our mess three times; young William has even gone so far as to write home to his sisters about it. I have taken up pen to respond to your letter. I think your courage deserves a reward; we receive little kindness from those in this land of war. What we do receive we appreciate and reply to in kind.
I would be honored to sit beside you at a meal and for some pleasant conversation. I remember being quite uncomfortable sitting in that parlor with so many lovely ladies. While I have grown to be man in the presence of my mother and sister I have never been around women who wore their shoulders bare and I found the look of a bare flesh to be disconcerting. I was quite relived not to be propositioned by any of the young ladies. I should have known that that would not be. You see ma'am, Corporal Steele told me some of the facts of life in a house such as yours. We need not have worried as he knows the woman who owns the house. He was once in her employ in the old country as a boy of all work before he got into trouble with some sailors. He refuses to say what he spoke to her about and we have made up our own stories for him, much to his chagrin. I would be most indebted to you if you might pry the information from Madame Josephine. And Corporal Steele can be rather stubborn, no matter how badly we tease him.
When I read your letter to the Corporal his wife was near to hand and enjoyed the correspondence immensely. I think she might send you a letter. She has little opportunity to converse with ladies. She is shunned by the officer's wives because she is not of high society, though to be honest she is wiser than most of them and certainly more welcome in our camp. As I expect you would be.
The Corporal has taught me the game of chess, I wonder if you might be interested in a game if you know it. We are so starved for educated and friendly company that some swear they might die of boredom. Young William has taken to memorizing the labels of tinned meat. I hope to receive a reply to this short note as it would be nice to know if you are truly interested in the company of the men from my mess. If so then you might pick out who you wished to sit and converse with.

Your Most Obedient Servant

Private Seth Barnaby

 

[johan_steele]

Dear Mr. Barnaby:

It is with pleasure that I received your letter late this afternoon, just as my sisters and I were finishing a small Comfort Bag to send to your regiment with tomorrow's post. During these past few days, some of the ladies whom you had previously met, and I, have been emptying our closets, drawers, and our pantry of items which we thought might be of benefit to the brave soldiers stationed so close to our town. I trust that you will find our contributions, although small, of some use. As you can imagine, in an establishment such as ours, there is a plethora of needles, thread, yarn, thimbles, scissors, pens and pencils - I have included a few sheets of my own personal stationary as well as a sweet from last evening's dinner. This I wrapped in a small box and secured with two layers of thick paper, separate from the other provisions. My fervent hope is that you will receive our Comfort Bag in good order, and without delay.

My sisters and I were distressed to learn that a soldier, such as young William, is so seriously lacking in reading material that he is obliged to memorize labels from the likes of tinned goods. An ambiance so devoid of lustre has caused me to include a short poem of Elizabeth Burrell Browning (Comfort) so that men like William have more noble and soothing lines to read. Madame Josephine infomed us only yesterday that our 'unknown benefactor' of stationary and other luxury items can no longer supply our establishment with pen and paper, so it is much to my chagrin that I cannot spare William with his own sheet of paper. I can't think what I will do when I can no longer put my thoughts down on paper. It eases my lonliness and removes me from the reality of this terrible war, if only for a time. Fanciful this might be, as M. Josephine likes to tell me, but at least I do not suffer from the ambition of artful and designing men.

While I am flattered that so many men in your regiment have read my letter, I must confess that I am somewhat dismayed to be the object of such scrutiny. I had feared that my letter might be received in an aura of scorn, and measured with a yardstick of audacity or willfull ambition. But I sense no judgement now from your fellow soldiers, and I am pleased that men so far from home and distanced from the hyprocricy of society, can look at me and see beyond my profession. It warms my heart to know that I would be welcome in your camp and be treated as any lady. Perhaps I will consider such an adventure.

I was amused to hear of Corporal Steele's fluencies in the English language. Sadly, I am only too familiar with Drunkenese as a consequence of my profession, but I can tell you that M. Josephine is well versed in her own three versions of the French language, and each interpretation becomes more colourful depending on the subject at hand, and the hour of the day! I suspect that Corporal Steele and M. Josephine might require their own interpreter should they find themselves rubbing elbows at our table next time we are in need of your surgeon's services!

I can assure you , Mr. Barnaby, that there is no fear of losing your virtue whilst in the company of my sisters, and there isn't a lady in our house who would be so base as to proposition a visiting soldier. M. Josephine would be outraged to learn otherwise and any such lady would be quickly dismissed from her employment. We may instigate conversation to ease the awkwardness of men such as yourself, but the intimate requests of our clients are established only through M. Josephine and we are to remain discreet until we know their pleasures.

I am comforted to know that you have such an honest mind as I hold this dear above all other virtues. For your discomfort here I am truly sorry and since my sisters and I are seldom permitted to wear long sleeves during the evening, we forget how shocking it must be to see so many bare shoulders under such close proximity. If you can imagine, it is often just before dawn before our weary bones bid a final goodnight to our clients, or to each other, and often times I feel as if I've become no more than nocturnal prey for the darker side of life. Because of this, I do not dress until evening and then of course we are required to wear our shoulders bare, with the slighteset hint of decolletage. M. Josephine assures us that the fashion in our house is sufficiently alluring to our clients, while retaining an outward glance of respectability. I have to bow to my employer's superior knowledge in such things but I beg you to forgive our unintentional assault to your senses.

It saddens me to hear that Corporal Steele's lady suffers needlessly from the animosity of the other officer's wives. No doubt they are jealous, for Madame Josephine has it on good account that Mrs. Steele is not only an exotic beauty, but she is also wise for her young years and well accomplished. I am reminded of Voltaire in this instance and his infamous quote "The way to become boring is to say everything," and perhaps these women have a laudanum affect on your regiment! We would be most happy to receive the Corporal's wife for tea and conversation, but such a fine lady would not risk her reputation by crossing the threshold of the local brothel, no matter the stimulating conversation she might find behind our doors.

It is a pity because the ladies here are individually accomplished, and M. Josephine ensures that every employee is educated, or continues to study while in her employment. I have a great love for the violin and piano, and I am often asked to play the piano, when a certain client of mine finds himself in a more musical mood. On such nights, I am reminded of the dichotomy of my life - the joyful and creative expression that I find when given the opportunity to play M. Josephine's piano, uninhibited and without shame, only to be followed by my loss of self to men.

We would be pleased to show you our library next time you are here, as it contains classics that can no longer be found. I had the advantage of a father who insisted on educating his only daughter and I enjoy the works of Thoreau, Hawthorne, Longfellow , Whittier, Poe, Shakespeare and so many other brilliant artists. Copies of Lord Byron and Emerson grace our humble library, and please telI Corporal Steele that I do understand his difficulties in staying the course through his inheritence of Sir William!

I am greatly amused by the writings of William Byrd, and Madam Sarah Kimble Knight's account of her journies between Boston and New York have kept me entertained by the hour. I have attached to my dressing table Shakespeare's Sonnet 29 which is a favourite and one that I can recite by heart. I can send this to you should our communications continue, but I fear that a soldier such as yourself would not be interested in the romantic sonnets of William Shakespeare. But I believe that Shakespeare knew everything.

I would consider visiting your camp, with the utmost discretion of course, to visit with Corporal Steele's wife if she would entertain such a visit, and also to familiarize myself with your camp life, in which I am most interested. I trust that the men would not think ill of having a frail sister in their midst, and that I might count on your personal protection if a soldier should misinterpret my visit. I come only in the spirit of shared generosity, and I would hope that mutual respect would be observed.

I shall await your thoughts on the above and I trust that this letter will find you enjoying good health.

Respectfully,


M.

For William:

Speak low to me, my Saviour, low and sweet
From out the hallelujahs, sweet and low
Lest I should fear and fall, and miss Thee so
Who art not missed by any that entreat.
Speak to mo as to Mary at thy feet !
And if no precious gums my hands bestow,
Let my tears drop like amber while I go
In reach of thy divinest voice complete
In humanest affection -- thus, in sooth,
To lose the sense of losing. As a child,
Whose song-bird seeks the wood for evermore
Is sung to in its stead by mother's mouth
Till, sinking on her breast, love-reconciled,
He sleeps the faster that he wept before.

 

[johan_steele]

Ms. M,

I heartily appreciate your letter, and the three comfort bags that you sent with your letter have already been parceled out among the mess. I have managed to acquire nearly thirty pieces of stationary from the men of the mess as well as a small package of coffee to send you and hope that you will be able to put them to good use. We have also enclosed a dozen stamps, we appreciate that these are in short supply as is good paper. Young William has shown his appreciation of your enclosed poetry by doing his best to memorize it. He has enclosed two bit in thanks for something better than tinned meat to memorize.

I have written of our correspondence to my sister; I hope this is not offensive to you. I share everything with her and always have. To not tell her of our correspondence I think would be tantamount to telling a lie which is something I have never excelled at. My family has faced serious financial difficulties with my entrance into the service to the grand old flag. My father died before this horrid war began and my joining the army deprived my family of the fruits of my labor. Instead of my presence I send home my pay, as meager as it is. I pray constantly for my sister and cousins, who have all congregated at my family farm so that they might support each other.

My sister has said that one hundred dollars in good gold coin would wipe out the debt for the family. I think the same amount of money here would wipe the slate clean for half the city by passing from one hand to another in such a rate that all would be happy within a day. I am forced to wonder at your profession, the house you reside in, according to Corporal Steele sees ten times that money in a week. Can this be true?

I have spoken with both our Corporal and our sergeant, if you or any of the ladies of your house wish to visit our Company we shall endeavour to provide an escort and I shall put forth my guarantee that no men in our company shall misconstrue your presence. Corporal Steele at least is an honest man… at least where women are concerned and I firmly believe that no insult shall enter upon your person where he is concerned for no more reason than that he fears his own wife and her frying pan more than he fears the actions of the Rebel Army. Though I will warn you, I think Mrs. Steele would be cautious of anyone who might enter our camp.

I have managed to create a chess board and pieces from a gum blanket and camp items. The pawns are minnie balls, the rooks carved pieces of hard cracker, knights and bishops craved from a bit of saddle soap traded from the cavalry and the kings and queens whittle pieces of elm branch. If you would care for such a game and are not insulted by the crude pieces I would be most honored.

Do not worry yourself upon the plight of Mrs. Steele, she has cooked meals for the highest officers of the army and received their thanks and appreciation. For any to think her deserving of scorn, they have only to worry of the disgust of such as General Sherman himself but that in itself is nothing to the danger of the anger of Corporal Steele, or the men of his mess. I think he would have no compunction whatsoever in mortally injuring any that might insult her. We would do no less. These are the kinds of men you have chosen to speak with.

Years of soldiering have hardened our hearts, but the soft voice of a woman, such as yourself, might soften our hearts. And will only garner our thanks and appreciation. Young William and myself were almost driven to fist-a-cuffs over who would read your correspondence first. The hint of perfume upon your note was sure to elicit interest --addressed as it was to the Provost detachment. Let me suffice it to say much interest was made upon the contents of your package.

Until we see you walk upon our Company street I bid you a good day.

God Bless and Keep You

Your Most Obedient Servant

Seth Barnaby

 

[dawna]

Dear Mr. Barnaby:

I was summoned to Madame Josephine's private parlour last evening and was relieved of my anxiety when I discovered that there had been no customer complaint lodged against me, but a letter to be handed to me from a soldier in Corporal Steele's regiment. My own thoughts were deafened by my racing heart, and the crimson of heat that crept quietly onto my waiting face most certainly disarmed my outward appearance of stoicity. My altered countenance was recorded under M. Josephine's watchful eye, and my discomfort no doubt was noted for another day.

My mistress wears a thousand masks and she reminds me of a spider who studies her prey from across the room with classical amusement, frozen smiles, and expressions of innocent concern. We have all fallen victims to M. Josephine's embroidered web of vulnerable confessions, but I learned my lesson during the early months of my employment and quickly found the means to out maneuver my employer's extractions. I feigned a defiant indifference to your letter and left M. Josephine to wonder at it's contents, and the circumstances that have kept me in communion with one of Corporal Steele's men.

Since you are both direct and honest, I will honour this will equal truth in answering your questions regarding my profession and the gilded life that I lead. M. Josephine procured this house several years before the war, and while it is not elaborate, it is comfortable, stylish, and of course, functional. Our cook indulges our employer with every delicacy imaginable, and there is a daily abundance of wasted food that is quickly consummed by greedy rats and starving mongrels.

M. Josephine is a shrewd and calculating business woman whose only confidante and superior is the institution that nestles her profits. Corporal Steele seriously underestimates the amount of money that passes through our establishment each week, and M. Josephine protects her earnings with the wiliness of a fox that unwittingly finds itself in a barnyard of unsuspecting hens. I have over heard M. Josephine admonish a prospective client for putting on financial airs in a house that is only to willing to debit one's assets.

I want for nothing, other than freedom, and my sisters and I are obliged to spend several hours each day preening for the evening's social hour. Although I drape myself in borrowed jewels, dress in dupioni silk , and perfume my hair with the finest oils from Europe, I remain a prisoner of invisible chains and dreaded opulence.

I envy the closeness of your family since I am an only child and lost my own dear mother when I was only ten years of age. To have a sister or brother to share one's deepest secrets is something I have only been able to conjure up in the recesses of my imagination, or to enjoy in a Dicken's novel. But, Mr. Barnaby, I do question the wiseness of informing your sister that you are now corresponding with a woman of ill repute, no matter the simplicity of our communications. Do you wish the innocence of your sister to be tainted by the knowledge that ladies such as I exist to profit from men such as her brother?

I am returning William's coins with this letter and trust that he is not too young to learn a valuable lesson at the hands of the opposite sex. When a lady offers a gift, but one in particular of words that boast meaning and merit, she does not expect financial considerations in return. Although I'm certain that William meant no harm, it was distressing to learn that your friend felt obliged to pay for what I perceived to be no more than a sisterly and innocent gesture.

With respect to your kind invitation to play chess, I would be pleased if you would accept a gift from me that might prove useful to the men in Corporal Steele's regiment. I have inherited a Staunton chess game carved in African ivory which was a gift to my father from his beloved wife. After my mother's death, my father could no longer bear to look at this treasure, and to my dismay it was put away before my father suspected that I harboured a desire to learn the art of chess. The sisters in M. Josephine's establishment do not enjoy the game of chess, and whilst we often play checkers, charades, and anagrams, it is peculiar that they view chess as a game for the wealthy and privileged, and treat it with much disdain.

My father would be honoured to know that I had donated this small inheritance to such a worthy cause, and equally pleased that someone might finally teach his daughter the game that has eluded her for many years! With Corporal Steele's permission, I would personally deliver my donation to your camp along with a copy of Keat's Volume 1, if that might interest you as well.

Please forgive my lack of manners in not firstly thanking you for the paper and stamps enclosed with your letter - both are appreciated.

Until such time,


M.

Please note: I am in the process of copyrighting my letters as the character "Maxine" on this thread. Please do not use my letters are any part thereof, without my permission. Dawna

 

[johan_steele]

My Dearest Sister,

Little Sister you would not believe what I have experienced over the last weeks. You might recall in my last letter I mentioned visiting a brothel in the official duty of the Provost Guard with a surgeon who we learned to be less than honorable and far from honest. Well, I was stunned to receive a letter from one of the women who reside in a house that our party visited. She was most thankful that we had prevented the Surgeon from causing trouble. And she thanked us for our honesty. As she was not exactly certain to what unit we belonged she sent her letter to the care of the French Corporal of the guard. As Corporal Steele is the only Corporal in the regiment who has any understanding of the French language it naturally found its way into his hands.

To say that Mrs. Steele was startled to be handed a letter addressed to her husband written by a lady of the oldest profession does not quite do the situation justice. And then asked to read it by her husband, the scene was amusing to say the least. Mr. Steele was not a Corporal in that conversation and there can be no doubt who the Sgt Major of that family is. His explanations only made matters worse I think, I was required to intercede on the behalf of the Corporal and explain the situation. Mrs. Steele was furious to discover that the surgeon who had most politely sat near to her and Little Miss Myra in service was such a man.

Mrs. Steele is a good woman and she did forgive her husband, though not before a good round brow beating. The Corporal presented Mrs. Steele with a lovely silken burgundy and white ball gown that he picked up in town last eve. She appreciated it immensely, though I do not know upon what occasion she will be able to wear it.

During the night we were called to the Colonel of another Regiment. He had been laid low by the dysentery and was certain to soon pass to the other side. He had called the Captain of our Company so that he might speak with a man of God, our Captain is a minister you see. The Captain received his words and his confession of sins. The Corporal and I were required to post ourselves outside the tent of the Colonel so the Captain and Colonel would not be disturbed. The Colonel passed to the other side while with the Captain and the Captain read his will aloud to the officers of his Regiment. He provided some not small monies to be spread among the enlisted men of the Regiment and parceled out his worldly goods among the officers. We were required to take the Colonels horse to a nearby Cavalry camp and present it to a young Private soldier there. The Corporal and the Captain both found themselves in possession of several items from the Colonel. I hope and pray that both men received those items honestly. I know the Corporal capable of robbing the dead but I believe the Captain above such things as he has been a man of God with a congregation and respectable family.

On our way to the Cavalry camp we came upon a most distressing scene, a woman in a fine ball gown was cursing roundly a passing Regiment. Her language was frightful and will not be written down here. But I shall tell you she offended every Union man present and shamed herself by using terms guaranteed to endear her to none but the devil himself. Corporal Steele ordered the woman to quiet herself and she turned upon him and focused her rage upon him. Apparently, this vicious woman had seen Mrs. Steele in our camp and knew that we were from that camp; she turned her vile language to insulting the honor of Mrs. Steele. I believe that to have been uncouth and certainly not worthy of a lady wearing such fine clothing. So did Corporal Steele as he handed me his Springfield and proceeded to pull the dress from the woman. Her protestations at least ended the curses that had bombarded the men marching past and brought forth a cheer from them. A First Sergeant stepped from the ranks and put the women across his knee and proceeded to give her several strokes across the backside with his ramrod. She was sent scurrying to her place of residence in her underclothes grasping a sore bottom. She was no longer insulting the honor of our men nor speaking ill of Mrs. Steele.

We stopped once more before reaching the Cavalry camp and spoke for some small time with a Catholic Priest. Corporal Steele spoke to him for a short while and explained our purpose as well as explaining why there was a fine dress hanging from the saddle. I was surprised when Johan offered the man a swallow of Cognac and even more surprised to see the Priest take it. I think he was much disturbed to discover that we were part of the Provost detachment.

We continued on to the Cavalry camp and located the Private, presenting him with the fine horse. He was a young and slight lad very fresh of face and quiet in voice. I suppose the Private must have been a relative of the Colonel as he was brought near to tears when presented with the horse. The horse was fine black Morgan almost 16 hands and stood out when placed next to the other horses. He was much better fed and of better breeding than any of the other horses picketed there.

We returned to camp to find that a woman had visited Mrs. Steele. We could not discover if this was the lady of the letters and Mrs. Steele would tell us no more than that she had promised to return. Young William and Kevin had both stared at this visiting lady for a long time as she was quite pretty. I wish that I knew if this the lady who has presented our mess with the gift of three small comfort bags as I wish to thank her in person.

Little Sister it is important that you not think that all of the women of the South are such as the women who donated a dress to Mrs. Steele. The woman residing in a house of ill repute has been most kind and gone so far as to communicate with the men of my mess. She provided a poem for young William and three small comfort bags which were quickly parceled out. Young William put two bits into my thank you note and she insisted upon returning it to him as she felt it wrong to take coin for a gift. I look forward to a visit from such a young lady, in a recent note she has promised to bring a fine chess set that was her fathers and even offered to donate a volume of Keats to us. I look forward to a game with someone other than Corporal Steele as he beats me too handily. I need not stress to you that you need not worry that I shall enter into sin with this young lady. I am not that type of man, you know my heart so I know that you will not worry. Our Captain is a good man as is our Sergeants and my friend Corporal Steele, women intending to tempt our souls away from the lord will never be allowed into camp.

I pray that this letter finds all in our household well. I believe we shall see an end to this war soon and hope that I will be able to return home to you with a clear conscience.


God Bless and Keep you.

Your Brother

 

[johan_steele]

Mrs. M

I take up pen this eve in a bit of discomfort and anxiety. It would appear that during our last stint of duty as Provost that a mysterious lady visited the camp. She visited for a short time with Mrs. Steele and was apparently in the camp looking for someone in particular. You can not imagine the consternation this caused our mess. We all feared that we might have missed you and that in missing you we shall never have the pleasure of meeting you.

Mrs. Steele has steadfastly refused to answer as to the identity of her visitor other than to say that she had a lovely conversation with her in French. And that to lady was searching for the "Sous Corporal" as we are not fluent in French we are not certain what that means and the guesses have gone far towards filling our day with amusement. The prevailing guess is that "sous" means sweet but young William is certain that what Mrs Steele said was "Sue's Corporal." As none of us know of a woman named Sue we think he is certainly wrong. Mrs. Steele was most amused by our attempts to pry information as to the visitors appearance and would say only that she was quite pleasant to both the eyes and to the ears. I think she was enjoying the game of torturing our minds.

Upon coming to the conclusion that we would not be able to elicit the information from her we made attempts to garner the truth from the camp guards. They were less than forthcoming. Corporal Kusilek insisted that the woman was in her forties, blond and not that nice to look upon. Another Private put her age at closer to twenty, with blond hair and a beautiful face and figure. Upon interrogating two other privates we concluded only that our visitor was blond of between twenty and forty years and that the men we were questioning were enjoying the torment they were inflicting upon us.

I eagerly wait the opportunity to play the game of chess with you and would be honored to play the game on such a board as you have proposed. I shall also be quite happy to take that copy of Keats off of your hands, though I will admit that I will likely not pass it on to William until after I have read it. I thank you for sending back the coin William sent to you, he meant no offense and was quite surprised to have me hand it back to him. He has said he was raised to believe that nothing was free, that there was a price for everything no matter how simple. It was William who insisted upon enclosing stationary after it was mentioned that your house was barren of it. Corporal Steele has provided nearly two score sheets for me to include with this note as he knows how much we have all enjoyed your notes and wishes to make certain there is no excuse to discontinue this correspondence.

So, it is with this in mind that I close this letter and must ask: was it you who graced our camp or another lady upon whose identity shall remain a mystery? We of Corporal Steele's Mess await an answer with baited breath and the prayer that we did not somehow miss your introduction to our camp. Perhaps you might also end the mystery of the term "Sous" as I recall several of the women in your house spoke French.

God Bless You

Your Most Obedient Servant

Seth Barnaby

(Message edited by johan_steele on November 08, 2004)

 

[dawna]

Dear Mr. Barnaby:

I felt obliged to write to you poste haste in order to alleviate your concerns regarding the mysterious lady who visited your camp while you were actively engaged in Provost duty. It was I, and although my visit was not successful to it's original intent, I did have the good fortune to make Mrs. Steele's acquaintance and for that unexpected opportunity I am most grateful.

I confess to being somewhat disarmed by Mrs. Steele's warmth and although she was initially cautious to find a strange woman in her midst, she was much relieved when I spoke to her in French, and our conversation immediately became one of animated pleasure! I believe that the Corporal's wife enjoyed this unforeseen occurance as much as I, and welcomed this unusual occasion to speak with another woman.

Madame Josephine was correct in her description of the Corporal's lady but in the person I found her to be even more beautiful, and refreshing. Mrs. Steele is naturally lovely and I found her to be blessed with the most luminous skin and commanding, charcoal eyes. Corporal Steele is a lucky man to have such an agreeable woman by his side during this odious war and I am certain that Mrs. Steele's husband draws daily strength from her well of moral courage and fortitude.

I lingered for a moment after Mrs. Steele had bid me goodnight. She moved about the campsite with the gracefulness of a cat, weaving her own brand of magic to whom ever needed a kind word, or a listening ear. Surely such a woman is an angel from God, content to walk amongst the men with little knowledge of the veneration that exudes from those around her.

In French, "sous" means under, or below. The men in your camp were only privy to part of the conversation that I had with Mrs. Steele, and upon my arrival, I inquired, "Je cherche le jeune homme qui est avec le régiment de Corporal Steele qui a amasser récemment le papetière pour entre envoyer chez la maison de Madame Joséphine." - (I am looking for the young man with Corporal Steele's regiment who recently collected stationary to be sent to Madame Josephine's house.)
But I can well imagine the clamour should an unknown lady visit your camp seeking the whereabouts of "The Sweet Corporal," since I have borne witness to Mrs. Steel's camp equipment and her frying pan is indeed a formidable weapon!

As you can imagine Mr. Barnaby, I was reluctant to leave my Father's chess set with anyone other than yourself. Mrs. Steele suggested that I return to your camp three night's hence, when you were certain to return from Provost duty, but I regret that I cannot be assured of an escort at that time. I have sworn Erik, our cook, to secrecy in this latest adventure and I can't think what M. Josephine would do should she ever discover the nights that we are missing from her establishment.

On those nights when I need to escape from the oppression of M. Josephine's house of ill repute, Erik is only too happy to escort me along moonlit roads to purge my soul and fill my lungs with cool, pristine air. You might think me on the threshold of madness for courting such potential disaster, but I assure you that these midnight ramblings of mine are at the very least, necessary.

I have invited Mrs. Steele to dine with us next week and my fervent hope is that Corporal Steele might find occasion to visit our establishment under the guise of official duty. I would be honoured if you would join the Corporal and his wife, (I have it on very good account that Mrs. Steele has recently acquired a beautiful new dress!) and I extend this invitation to William (we have taken to calling him Sweet William!) and of course, Kevin, if they are agreeable to an evening of fine dining and good conversation. I would also take this opportunity to present you personally with my Father's chess set and the Volume of Keats which I previously mentioned to you. I would be happy to show you my small collection of books and if you should find something that might be of further interest to you, it is yours to borrow and share with others as you see fit.

We had a sobering incident occur two days past which caused both alarm and concern to our establishment. M. Josephine still frets that this happened during the daylight hours and without a single witness to come forward. A shot was fired through Madame's front window and with good fortune, no one was injured other than M. Josephine receiving a cut to her ankle while attempting to clean up the shattered glass. Our mistress was indisposed that evening and my sisters and I were left to conduct the evening's business without M. Josephine's supervision. You might imagine that we were a little merrier than most evenings, and we were much amused to hear M. Josephine adamantly declare that "I will bleed all over Tennesee before that brute (your Surgeon!) sets foot in this house again!" when it was suggested that her ankle mind need proper binding.

We try not to concern ourselves with this incident and take heart that it was no more than a foolish accident, and not a warning from those who might wish harm to M. Josephine's business. But I couldn't help but notice a new sense of guarded apprehension when I bid Madame goodnight.

There is so much I wish to ask you with respect to your life as a soldier, and the thoughts and beliefs that sustain you through these dark and trying times. When faced with uncertain death, and with destruction and havoc all around you, what binds your feet firmly to sullen earth? How do you summon forth your own resurrection, over and over again, when your losses are finite, and immeasurable? Perhaps you might find time to share such intimate thoughts with me when we at last meet.

I close this letter with one final thought for William and in putting these thoughts down on paper, I understand the hyprocricy of a woman who openly offers one thing for sale, while remaining fiercely protective of something less attainable, and of a more abstract nature. While William may well have been raised to believe that there is a price to be paid for everything, no matter how small, I beg to differ with this unbridled philosophy. My estimation of the importance of words, and the value of honesty, is completely without guile, and free to all possible solutions.

I pray that you are well.

Respectfully,


M.

 

[johan_steele]

Mrs M.

This letter has been placed into the hands of a young negro boy who has promised to deliver it from my hands to yours. It is vital that I know that this method bypasses the view of your mistress as Mrs. Steele intends to send you two more notes and one is of the most private importance.

We would like nothing better than to attend you at dinner and Mrs. Steele has spoken that in such a way tyhat I think she would enjoy your company again. You likely have already discovered that she is not of the most trusting towards outsiders in our camp. I think she believes most women here to be sympathetic to the secesch. I have stressed to her that we speak with you of nothing that could be used against the army. She shakes her head and calls me foolish to believe such is not a possobility.

I eagerly wait a chess game with you as I am tired of being beaten by that rascal Corporal Steele. I am hoping to teach Keving to play so that I will have someone to beat! I have taught both Mrs. Steele and William and enjoy the game very much. I welcome the opportunity and challenge of another mind to fence with.

I must end this note as the young boy is busily hopping from one foot to another in a queer sort of dance. I fear if this is not placed in his hand he will depart never to return and i will have to discover another way to send this to you.

Corporal Steele, has told me to include a phrase to you in French. I hope that I have properly trancribed his words. He will not tell me what it means; only that it is a fitting phrase with which to end a letter to a lady. "Mai l'ombre de votre beauté n'accroissent jamais moins."

Seth Barnaby

 

[dawna]

Dear Mr. Barnaby:

It was with reluctance that I stepped out this morning into a blanket of gray mist, only to discover a young negro boy waiting across the street like a quizzical puppy, in hopes of finding his lost master. But it was with pleasure that I received your letter and only through the utmost determination that I post-poned it's reading, since M. Josephine expected my return by early afternoon.

I insisted that your boy retire (Erik could not extract a name from him?) to our kitchen and warm himself with Erik's soup before returning to camp, which he accepted with the enthusiasm of a starving mongrel. Our cook assured me that he would wrap a portion of bread and cheese in paper for your messenger's trip back to camp - it grieves me to know that a boy so young is left to fend for himself during these dark and trying times.

Since M. Josepine is still indisposed as a result of her recent injury, I have become her unexpected financial messenger, and although I faithfully do Madame's bidding, it is another aspect of her business that I find distasteful. However, please be assured Mr. Barnaby that my sisters are sworn to secrecy and consider your letters to be our new source of dangerous excitement! It is very unlikely that our employer will be in a position to personally receive our mail for quite some time.

I trust that I might speak plainly to you and Mrs. Steele in order to alleviate her concerns regarding the Secesch. In this house we are forbidden to discuss our loyalties, if we harbour such, and if so they are to remain closely guarded secrets. Idle gossip is not tolerated and with a variety of other pressing topics to examine, there is never a need for reproach. We might inquire as to the hardships of war and how we are all affected by it's shortages, but it is common knowledge that the threshold of M. Josephine's establishment is rooted in complete disengagement.

I trust that you are well and I look forward to your visit with the Corporal and Mrs. Steele. Mon jeu d'échec vous attends.

For William: I fall into the trap laid for me; yet who would have suspected ambush where I was taken?" Shakespeare

M.
(Mattie) Maxine Fuller Temple

 

[johan_steele]

Mrs. M

The company is to be on detached duty for the next several days and I will endeavour to inform you of our return upon our arrival. William and I shared musement over your last note. The young negro boy has been a boy of all works for more than a year; he also works as a runner tasked with carrying messages from our camp to a detached work site where a few of the company men have been cutting wood and trimming trees in preperation for the spring campaign.

He wandered into our camp well over a year ago during the siege of Vicksburg. He had run away from a plantation and swum the mighty Mississippi river to find freedom in our lines. He was a waif so thin that his hip bones were quite pronounced, but he was strong and willing to earn his keep; which he has so many times over we scarce can think of life without him. At the time of his arrival he insisted his name was "Seven" as that was what the overseer had called him for as long as he could remember. He told us that when Union Cavalry had burned his masters house he had taken the absence of his master and the overseer as a sign that he should run away to freedom. He said that he left no family behind and would make us his new masters. It took us many days to convince him to stop calling us Masters. He has fetched wood, foraged for food and liquor as well as proving that he is one of the best scouts in the regiment. When we were on the march to Chatanooga he was nearly abducted by a civilian who said that he was a runaway. A polite introduction of the civilian into the river by Corporal Steele made our opinion of the matter quite clear and endeared us to his heart.

We now call him "Sven" as we think it a more appropriate name than Seven. He shares our rations and Mrs Steele occasionally pays him coin for his services. We generally try to clothe him but he refuses to wear boots as he says he never has before and they strangle his feet! My sister sent a pair of trousers and a shirt for him in July and combined with a cavalry shell he looks quite good standing ready for parade on Sundays, we have even aquired an overcoat for him from a rebel deserter. He is a good young man and I have no doubt when the Regiment returns home at wars end Sven will return with us.

What amused William and I so was that he ate before he left, apparently was fed by your cook, ate upon his arrival back with us, was fed again by the work detail when he carried them a message and finally supped in our mess for supper. We have begun to wonder where he put all of that food as he is certainly not fat.

I am sending along a piece of blue silk ribbon with this message, it is asked that if you have a message for us to place it in a window where Sven can see it as he passes on his way to the work detal. If he sees it he will know to you have a note for us and he will pick it up.

God Bless You

Your most obediant Servant

Seth Barnaby

William sends this as his own bit of the great bard I believe it is taken from Much Ado about Nothing but am not certain: To be a well favoured man is the gift of fortune; but to read and write notes to you is a gift from nature.

 

[dawna]

Dear Mr. Barnaby:

I have taken the liberty of visiting with Mrs. Steele once again in your absence, with the purpose of loaning the Corporal's wife a book in French that she had expressed interest in during my last visit. Mrs. Steele is now also in possession of my Father's chess set and she has faithfully promised that it will be delivered to you upon your return from Duty. My Father would be well pleased knowing that a game which once gave him such immense joy, is now being used as a pleasant pastime for men in pursuit of a worthy cause. I trust that you will breathe new life into my Father's chess game and that it's years of languishing in a dreary trunk are finally over.

It was with much amusement that I read of Sven's plight. With his child-like fallaciousness, Sven drew Erik and I into an imagined world of Dicken's lost street orphans, without uttering a single word. I am in amazement that a starving child like Sven was able to conquer the mighty Mississippi, and surely this must mean that Sven is destined for greater works after achieving such a feat?

To this end, my sisters and I believe that Sven deserves the opportunity to learn of the world beyond army life, and the strife that has plagued his tender years. I wonder if you would consider letting Sven come and stay with me for the summer, and I will personally ensure that he learns to read and write, along with receiving the most elementary lessons in math?

Sven might also be interested in learning the piano, and it would please me to have a student so young. Upon occasion, and with much coaxing, our cook can be convinced to entertain my sisters and I with his banjo, and how could ambiance such as this not be beneficial to an ungoverned, youthful mind? I can assure you that Sven would earn his keep as he has done in Corporal Steele's regiment, but he would have the advantage of exposure to females who would treat Sven as if he were their little brother. I offer Corporal Steele as illustration of a man who spent his younger years working in a brothel, and would you not agree that the Corporal is now a fine example of an honourable man, one rich in devotion to his country?

I've enclosed an additional verse for William, and if you would bear with a question, we have recently heard that Colonel Lockman was injured - could this be true? I pray that this letter finds you well and my fervent hope is that you will dine with us soon.

God Bless You.

M.

For William: "The guilty one is not he who commits the sin, but the one who causes the darkness."

 

[johan_steele]

Mrs. M

I find it amusing that we have managed to miss each other more than once. Mrs. Steele also finds it amusing and I believe she enjoys teasing us about our strange fortune. William is absolutely furious with the Captain as it was his schedule that placed us on pickett the day you visited, he has a gift to present you. A silver cup with the initial "W" engraved upon it. I was some confused to see the letter W instead of the letter M. His reasoning should amuse you. "It is an M when placed on the shelf and a W when used on the table; that way she shall recall who gifted it to her." I have to admit that It is difficult to question his reasoning; though I recall seeing fine silver and even some crystal on the tables. This I think would be intended for your own use when not at a formal supper.

Mrs. Steele made bear sign last eve and we all enjoyed it very much, she said that the nutmeg came from your stores and that we should be certain to thank you. Though, Sven admited it had came from your kitchen I know that he is sometimes a bit light fingered when he thinks it might benefit the company. I hope he was wise enough to ask permission, if not then please inform us and we will see that your kitchen is compensated for any loss. Last week Mrs. Steele made him return a fine silver serving platter he had "borrowed" from a nearby home. I have had a stern talking to him about such things, but he listens only to the Corporal and a couple of our Sergeants. He usually takes orders from Mrs. Steele and the private soldiers as a mere suggestion. Though after Mrs Steele brained him with a rolling pin he has taken her instructions as being a bit more than a suggestion of late.

Mrs. Steele will often withhold a fine fresh sweet bread or other delightful dish if she hears the soldiers using the Lord's name wrongly or otherwise cursing. This has had a most effective result among the unwashed masses of our Company. When the Chaplain scolded one of the local women in such that she cried Mrs Steele demanded that he apologize and threatened to hand him back his laundry tied in knots if he refused. It was an effective threat, perhaps because the Chaplain knew that she would carry it out if provoked.

I must end this note as I am detailed as part of a wood gathering party.

God Bless and Keep You

Seth Barnaby

 

[dawna]

Dear Mr. Barnaby:

I write this note to you in the early hours of the morning, with little thought of time, or the day ahead. I have tossed and turned this night, while this wretched rain keeps Erik and I from our nightly haunts. We fear that the Tennesse will flood again and leave this town in shambles as it did last spring when the heavens opened up for more than two days. I fear that I will never see you again.

The rain slashes against my window with all the fury of a possessed lover, but I can trace the tiny droplets against my window pane with my fingers and soothe away their madness. They said this war would be over in a month Mr. Barnaby, but the truth is that I fear it will never end, and that this scorched and ravaged earth will never recover from such abuse. Men will go on killing one another, and women's hearts will break for another thousand years. Can you tell me otherwise?

We are certain now that Colonel Lockman has been killed and this house is filled with an unspoken measure of disbelief and sorrow. Colonel Lockman was an honourable man, blessed with great moral courage and we can only imagine the loss this is to your company.

I am curious to know how the men in your regiment are faring with their new chess set, and if you are thwarting all who have had the misfortune to play you? Although I am not a skilled chess player, you will find me an eager and willing student.

I long for conversation outside of M. Josephine's establishment and I am damaged and tormented by the burden of these four walls. If only I could speak with Mrs. Steele again or walk along the river with Erik, my spirits would be lifted for a time.

I wish to know more about your army life and in particular there are several Generals who have captured my interest this past year, and many battles that I only hear about. But my position in this house prevents me from discussing this war with anyone, or the nature of my loyalties. I see no harm in reading personal accounts from soldiers such as yourself, although I know that the Corporal's wife would find this disagreeable.

I will not press you any further regarding your life in Corporal Steeles' regiment, but I pray for your safety and continued good health.

M.

 

[johan_steele]

Mrs M

It was a pleasure to receive your letter this afternoon, Sven brought it to me without delay as he knows a letter from you will put a smile upon my face. As our camp is placed considerably higher on the ridge than the town we have suffered through a bit of snow and freezing rain mixed with the dreary rain. We dig into the ground several feet, line our hovels with straw and the occasional wood planking, while our own tent still has a canvas roof several tents have acquired planking, thatched and even one well shingled roof. Corporal Steele built a nice wooden shack for Mrs Steele and the boys from the company put a porch on the front and a brush arbor in front of that. Chimneys are made from every substance you could imagine.

Your chess set has been a welcome addition to our camp and I have enjoyed many a game. A young drummer from a neighboring Iowa Regiment is quite good and even gives the Corporal a difficult time of it. We are thinking of holding a tournament among the men of the Brigade. Your chess set has given us a much needed escape from chuck a luck and other games of chance. The men will bet on anything, we had a foot race yesterday and one of our fleet of foot Indians won it quite handily. An Irishman from a nearby battery had been bragging to the point of annoyance so we set out to teach him a lesson. Our Indian and a powder monkey from a Tennessee battery both made the Irishman look the fool. A few of us have taken to calling the him "Fleetfoot" to press his embarassment home.

You asked of some of the Generals we like, I think General Sherman is quite the man, we call him "Uncle Billy." General Logan has the nickname "Blackjack" and is well liked by the men. General McPherson is particularly popular. It is hard for us to like or dilike Generals as we see them only on parade or inspection. We like Generals because they lead from the front, don't shirk danger but most importantly the popular Generals are not dandys or glory seeking fools; in short they don't get too many of us killed doing silly stupid things. We are here to break the rebellion, not to look pretty and make a General famous. The politicians made this mess and it is up to soldiers and citizens like us to put an end to it.

Corporal Steele says this Army is better led, fed, armed and as well served as the one he was with in the Crimea. I think that a noble compliment as he fought in the works before the fortress of Sevestapol.

Mrs. Steele is always knitting socks or a sleeping cap, patching holes in drawers or trousers. She cooks and does the job of a laundress. She is so busy that I sometimes feel guilty playing a game of chess or reading. Corporal Steele still puzzles through his Blackstone trying to learn to read. Both Mrs Steele and myself have tried to help him learn his letters; even young William has tried. It has been said that some people become incapable of learning past a certain time in their life. I wonder if it is true with him? Sven has made far better progress. As long as he continues trying to learn, we will continue to aid him.

Our Bigade has four Colonels, six Lt Colonels, nine Majors and one General. Our own Regiment is on its third Colonel since we mustered into Federal Service. We have the same Captain we left home with, he is not interested in promotion or glory, he listens to his Sergeants and keeps quiet. Most of us think he is a good sort. We left Minnesota with a few over one hundred men and even with the recent addition of some new recruits to the Company sickness and the infernal Rebel have reduced us to just forty two men. Our only officer is the Captain. One joined a Colored Regiment so he could be promoted to a Captain and the other managed to put himself in front of a rebel bullet. Kevin has seen seven real battles and a dozen smaller scraps coming through it all with nothing more than a bit of tree in his leg, he will re-enlist with most of us and he is still too young to shave.

I will give this letter to Sven to hand to you. He carries three bits of Mrs Steeles money to get some yarn. We thought you might know where to buy some if it is still to be had.

God Bless You

Your Most Obedient Servent

Seth Barnaby

 

[dawna]

Dear Mr. Barnaby:

I take pen to hand this morning as Erik prepares to deliver a package to your Company, along with the return of Sven who we found once again lurking in the streets. This time your ungoverned little soldier was fiercely guarding a mysterious package and I need not tell you that I am suspicious of it's contents. But we have yet to find items missing from our employer's establishment so we are grateful that Sven's conscience spares us from his youthful desire to illuminate Corporal Steele's camp.

I can't think that M. Josephine's house will survive this day as it groans beneath any degree of moderate polish and forms anew it's very foundation. Madame received word this morning that the Corporal and his wife will dine with us tomorrow evening and this news travelled throughout our household with the same speed and reverence of a long awaited epiphany.

My sisters have abandoned their daily routines in pursuit of the more noble art of coiffing extraordinaire and I am amused by their endless child-like chatter, and by the transformation of seasoned creature of the evening to that of school girl folly. It is curious to me that these damaged women who I have grown so fond of are this day mere caricatures of their night time profession. I gently chide them for their foolish indulgence but question my own hyprocricy at the same time. I can feel the ice that I have packed around my heart for so long slowly release it's deathly grip at the prospect of spending an evening in your company.

Erik is out of sorts and I fear that I am partly to blame for our cook's change in temperament. I am unable to accompany Erik today as I am left to help M. Josephine prepare for our guests tomorrow evening, and I have no wish to arouse Madame's suspicions or her wrath. I'm inclined to believe that Erik also worries that his cooking might not find favour with the Corporal's wife, but I have tried to reassure Erik that Mrs. Steele will be only too pleased to have someone else cook for her, and to at last meet the infamous Madame Josephine!

Erik has become my dearest confidante and the rain of late has kept us from our nightly strolls. I sometimes laugh at Erik's broken English and at some of his more Philistinian musings, but he knows my teasings are of a sisterly nature and no harm is intended. I suspect there may be a dubious past in Erik's native country but still I care not for the history of one's soul. I would trust Eric with my life and of even more importance to me is Erik's belief in my dreams.

I have given Sven the small amount of yarn that we have left in our house since we have little use for it. Madame's benefector supplies our stockings and these we have in abundance as you might imagine. Please tell William that I have written out Sonnet 29 as he requested and shall personally deliver it to him when he visits with the Corporal's party.

God Bless You.

M.

 

[johan_steele]

Mrs M.

I am beginning to dislike our Captain, it would seem every time that I might have an opportunity to meet you face to face he conspires to deny me that pleasure. Less than an hour before the Corporal and his wife left to dine with you I was ordered to escort a message to the Generals headquarters. The sergeant detailed myself, William, Kevin with the Second Sergeant to escort an officer who crossed to our lines. He was of the sort that I think you might have liked. A real fancy gent, a Major of the infantry who had decided that our lines might be a touch safer than his own. After talking with two enlisted men who accompanied him it was discovered he was a true dandy and not even an American. This officer was an Englishman of some money... or had been prior to the war. Kevin and I were rather hoping he would run for it so that we might shoot him. He put on so many airs you might think he thought he was one of our officer. We were glad to hand him over to the Generals escort.

Twice this cad demanded that we allow him to visit a "house of entertainment with a pleasant parlor." We laughed at him and let him know what we thought of his request.

It is hoped that you enjoyed your eve with the Corporal and Mrs Steele. They have spoke highly of the meal served them and the company and conversation provided them. Mrs Steele says that the corporal was as uncouth as always. His manners were learned in a barracks. We do not doubt that, though he spoke highly of a game of chess with a young lady there. Might that have been you?

Sven came into camp yesterday with a bolt of silk in a color of red so dark as to be almost the color of blood. Mrs Steele demanded to know where he had gotten it and as always he just smiled. I thought Mrs Steele was going to brain him good but she relented and has told him she must present it to your house as it will be put to good use there.

William is eager to know what you thought of his silver cup; the Corporal said that it was up to you to tell him. William has been quoting the great Bards sonnets almost to the point of irritation. Many in the camp enjoy it though, I might as well if I did not have to deal with his quoting them while I often try to sleep.

The yarn you provided has been greatly appreciated, it was put to imediete use repairhing a pair of my socks. while the colors do not match; my feet are color blind.

There is much debate and discussion within our company as to who shll enlist again. Almost all have decided to do so, those few who have not have families that they miss terribly. Some feel that they have already sacrificed enough and should be called upon to give no more. I think more than three quarters of opur Regiment shall reenlist; this means we shall keep together and not be sent ot other regiments. It also means that we shall be provided a furlough of thirty days. All of us have been promised a bonus and forty acres of land in the western part of the state. I shall use mine I think to raise horses and perhaps try my hand as a school teacher. I would like to attend university, but I think I dare not. I am not a rich man and do not think my family could bear my absence for the time it would take me to finish such a dream.

Until the time we shall actually meet eye to eye I bid you have pleasant day and may God Bless You.

He who increases knowledge increases sorrow. Even the great bard had his superiors.

Your Most Obedient Servent

Seth Barnaby

 

[dawna]

Dear Mr. Barnaby:

Once again fate has conspired against our meeting and I wonder now if it is meant to be? Surely I have not fallen so far from grace that a vengeful God would deny me the opportunity to have one true friendship?

In spite of your absence, we passed a pleasant evening with the Corporal and Mrs. Steele, but my sisters and I were wrought with bitter disappointment. M. Josephine told us this morning that she has grown weary of "entertaining Grant's army" and I marvel at my employer's hypocricy, knowing only too well that it is the army who has kept her in perfume and silk.

Erik prepared a fine meal and I later heard the Corporal's wife inquiring as to what seasonings had been used to prepare the meat. I assured Eric that this was the highest compliment that Mrs. Steele could have paid him - Erik seemed well pleased.

Mrs. Steele relaxed as the night progressed but I sensed her discomfort (and distrust) for most of the evening. The Corporal and M. Josephine did not help matters as they both have a fondness for whiskey, French in Drunkenese, and the most shocking stories from the Corporal's years on the docks. We were fortuned with yet another version of how the Corporal acquired his wife's beautiful new dress and with a roomful of captive, attentive young ladies, I am quite certain that the Corporal planned it as such!

It was not I who played chess with the Corporal. That pleasure I am waiting to learn from you.

I've had the misfortune of meeting Major Colburne on more than one occasion and I can assure you that the Major could find his way to M. Josepine's whilst blindfolded, hobbled, and half way to Glory. But I ask you Mr. Barnaby, in what manner have I expressed myself that would have you believe that my head could be turned by a man as cowardly and despicable as Major Colburne? If you have saved my letters, then I implore you to show me what words, what line, what phrase in particular has revealed this shallow and vulgar nature to you? For a boy who barely remembers our first meeting, it is distressing to learn from you what my "likes" are, when you know the least about me.

Your dreams are noble and worth pursuing but unattainable if you are shot through with lead or scattered across the enemy's battlefield. How many soldiers will be alive long enough to collect on the government's promise of land and money? Can it be true that you still believe in the lies that started this war?

I pray that your family is well and that you have had recent news from Carlie. If you would like to take a walk with Erik and I next evening, please send a note with Sven. I would like to hear more of your General Sherman and I have much to tell you regarding my three month journey from Danville.

May God keep you safe.

We are full of weakness and errors; let us mutually pardon each other our follies.

M.