Civil War Letters Collection

The letter above was written by Lyman Whitney Strong to his son Arthur Tappan Strong, a Union Soldier, on September 7, 1861. In this short letter, Arthur's father expresses his thought on his son's interest in joining the army. He is proud to see his Arthur's patriotism but does not give his consent because he believes Arthur is young. Ultimately Arthur joins against his parent's wishes.

This letter was written to President Abraham Lincon from Arthur Tappan Strong in 1862. Arthur expresses his concerns that the secessionists will succeed in dividing the Union. He recognizes that becoming a Union did not come free, there were blood and tears shed, therefore why would one want to split the Union. He says, "[...] for I could not breathe with traitors nor turn my face to the sun nor dwell in the land of the living when the states are no longer won."  Through this, Arthur tells how he could not fathom living where the states are divided or not fought to be united.

This letter was written by Lyman Whitney Strong to his son Arthur Tappan Strong on January 18, 1862. His father's tone in this letter is concerned, he has written to Arthur twice before this letter and has not heard back from him. Arthur's father tries to make sense of what is happening on the front through the newspaper but wants to hear it from his son. His father also seems proud and in awe of what he is experiencing, along with astonishment that he is still alive. He is also concerned about Arthur's well being and mental health, he encourages him to stick to his roots even if it is difficult. His father is afraid he is losing heart and emotion, he says "My dear boy, will you allow me to talk to your heart a little bit." His father is almost fighting his own fight with the feeling of pride and worries.

The letter above was written to Arthur Tappan Strong from his friend Robert on February 9, 1862. In this letter, Robert simply updates Arthur about what is happening back in Seville, Ohio, Arthur's home town. He talks about the weather, what news they have received from the war, and comments on his bravery. Arthur is encouraged by his friend to keep on fighting until the end, but warning him about how the war is really playing out. At this point in time, the Union has a greater loss than the Confederacy and it looks like the war is not ending anytime soon.

This letter was written by Lyman Whitney Strong Jr. to his brother Arthur Tappan Strong on February 18, 1862. Arthur's younger brother had some spare time to write this letter to tell Arthur of the good news form the war. Lyman says, "It was that Front Dolanson was taken by troops, 15,000 rebels taken prisoners, 10,000 killed and wounded and 5,000 escaped. They fired cannons in the night to celebrate the good news. His brother goes on to update Arthur on what is happening at home and at school.

This collection of letters written and received by Arthur Tappan Strong covers the wide verity of letters a soldier may have received during the war. From considering joining the war, receiving support from friends and family while at war, to voicing his opinions on what he was fighting for, Arthur's letters display both his and his communities' view of the war within a two year period. Sprinkle throughout each of the letters, patriotism is present. Although the first letter, written by Arthur's father, is short he is pleased with his son's willingness to get involved in the war although he also expresses concerns about the safety of his eldest son. The collection of letters also displays what a sense of community can do for an individual. Arthur was constantly reminded by his friends and family to keep fighting and to stay grounded in his roots and values. How can you encourage others in your community to speak their truth? and Will you support them in their truth?