Alonzo Bump Letter
December 24, 1863

Alonzo wrote numerous letters home during his three year service, an average of about one a week. Similar to the correspondence of many Union soldiers to their families, Alonzo largely discussed his military life. Camp food, soldier camaraderie, rumors about army campaigns, marching, paycheck delays, battles, and fear of death were persistent topics.

Alonzo's writings also show the compassionate yearnings of many Civil War letters, the wish to hear from loved ones, the concern over family welfare, and the great desire to return home alive and with honor. Expressions of faith were common, as Alonzo wrote November 25, 1863, "I hope and pray to God that hee will spare my Life to return to my family."

Whether by faith, luck, or military know-how, Alonzo lived to see his wife again at war's end.

Letter Enlargement

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