My Dearest Mother,

I am to join the great cause and enlist in the army. I must answer the call of my nation.

I will be sent to Rivers Bridge, South Carolina to train. I do not know what to expect when I arrive, but I have joined with all the boys from town and I will at least have some company. Please tell father that I will make him proud of me and that I will not disgrace the family. Tell my bother that I will expect him to join when he turns 16. Mother I know you did not want me to go, and I am still unable to understand why you feel so. I promise you I will write to you often, and I will return to you as I have promised. Do not cry for me mother I am in the service of my country and God is surly with us. Now with warmest thoughts of home and family, I say farewell and I shall be with you all again soon.

Your Loving Son,

Bryan