Originally presented at the Cleveland Height-University Heights Public Library

“I am in hopes that I will get a whole package of letters from you in a few days. I never wanted to see you half as bad in all my life as I do now.”

When he wasn’t marching, fighting, or setting up camp, the Civil War soldier might take a few moments to write to his loved ones at home. These letters often contain accounts of battles, life in camp, and general news. But many soldiers, as they marched off to face the enemy, had left behind a wife or sweetheart, and to them they would compose sweet, poignant, and occasionally funny letters that give life and personality to the participants in this great national conflict. These letters show their sorrows of being apart, fears that the soldier would not return home, and hopes for the future after the war’s end.  The letters are underscored with the poignant music of the Civil War Era performed on the Hammered Dulcimer that portrays many sides of the soldier in love.