EXAMS, FEARS, HARDTACK, AND FAMILY

John Lapham Bullis covered a variety of topics and feelings in his letter from Annapolis, Maryland, written during the third year of the Civil War, on June 27, 1864.

1. He wrote that he had passed his exams in Washington and that he expected to start soon for the Regiment. 

2. Then he shared that he was "fearful another year will make great changes if the great Rebellion is not closed," and added a comment about "times to try men's hearts." 

3. He also commented that at least there was plenty of hardtack.

And 

4. He ended his letter with thoughts of his family: "Glad to hear Abram and Lydia doing well at school."

A typical letter home from a person in the midst of war? Perhaps. He told his family his current news,  his fears for the future, what he was thankful for, and then turned his thoughts to the readers, those waiting for him at home.  We can only wonder what was left unsaid about the horrors of war.