Dear Johnson,
<Tab/>Soldier life is quite severe. We don't have the quantity of soldiers you have. Your army has twice as much fighting power as we do. It's a completely different life than back in Virginia. The battle we just got back from was terrible. I can't see why we can't just live as a country and accept the differences between us. What is life for you like fighting for the western Union Army? It must be way different from Maryland. It will be hard getting this letter to you, but if you receive it, please write back to me.
…
