Captain Bruce Stanton (Elise Chapital)

Blog 1:

June 2, 1861, 

First Journal Entry

Dear Journal,

My name is Bruce Stanton, and I am a newly recruited soldier in the Union Army.  I first volunteered to join the Union Army as one of the original 75,000 our president, Lincoln, called upon following the Union surrender at Fort Sumter. I recently arrived at my new regiment, The Covenant Crusaders, after my association with the 1st Michigan Infantry. 

During my time with the 1st Michigan Infantry, we communed to form a march to the Capital, Washington, D.C., to show our support towards President Lincoln and show him we were willing to fight to keep the Union! I do so wish that I was able to witness Lincoln thank us for arriving to D.C. with post hast, sadly, shortly after I was separated from my brothers of war, and sent to a different regiment in order to be of service to them. 

My time here, however, has been quite monotonous. I've spent my days performing simple tasks, while militias are out marching to D.C. preparing for war. I only long for the sight of my family. My wife, Constance, and son, William, are waiting for me to greet them at the end of the war, alive and well. I hope and pray that I will be there soon!

Blog 2:

First Letter Home

July 30, 1861

Dear Constance, 

I apologize for my lack of correspondence during the last few weeks, much has happened in the war. The first skirmish between Union and Confederate forces in the east occurred June 3rd, shortly I arrived at my new regiment. The confrontation resulted in a Union victory, as the Confederate army retreated from our mighty forces!

Soon after, my regiment was deployed to participate in our first battle near Manassas, Virginia. Going into the battle, our men were confident! With General McDowell commanding us we successfully punched back Confederate forces, however, the arrival of more Confederate troops initiated a steady retreat our troops, sending us back towards our Capital. This, quite frankly, embarrassing retreat was the least of our worries, for if the Confederates were able to follow us back to the Capital, this war would be over with. 

Following that encounter with enemy troops, we faced a stern talking to by our commanders to straighten out, if we wanted any hope of coming out victorious from this interminable war. One thing was for certain following that battle, the Confederate army, though they were simply rag-tag groups of men, were driven, and weren't going to be as easy to fight off as we were expecting.

Sincerely,

Your Husband, 

Bruce. 

Blog 3:

July 7, 1862,

Second Journal Entry

Dear Journal,

During the last year, us soldiers have had barely anytime for pleasure. As the war rages on, battles are becoming more and more regular. In April, we were sent towards central Tennessee under the command of General Grant, in hopes of cutting of Confederate supply lines and controlling western Tennessee. The battle was quite even at first, however, after our reinforcements arrived from Nashville, it was clear we were overpowering the Rebels. The battle resulted in a Union win, though many troops, on both sides, were either killed or severely injured. I witnessed men with only one remaining leg attempting to wobble towards aid stations. It was quite the sorrowful sight. 

About a month later, we were deployed to northern Virginia where we were stationed for seven days after being intercepted by Rebels during our attempt to capture the Confederate capital. The battle was a dreadful one. The humid heat in addition to our wool uniforms caused many soldiers to collapse in the thick, swampy terrain.

Unfortunately, we were forced to retreat to the James River, which gave any advantage we had to the Confederate. During the walk back to our camp, I could tell that something was amise. My brothers were slowly losing hope. Some even thought of surrendering after our loss to the Confederates. Our commanders could too tell that morale around camp was dwindling, so later that night they attempted to raise our spirits by granting us the most delicious molasses cookies*. This reward rapidly boosted soldiers' spirits, and allowed us to focus on defeating those low-down Rebs next battle!

*Captain Bruce Stanton will bring molasses cookies tomorrow for his fellow soldiers to enjoy!

This is the recipe I used if you wanted to make it yourself Ma'am:https://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/giant-molasses-cookies/#RecipeCard

Blog 4:

July 23, 1863

Third Journal Entry

Dear Journal,

As the war continues, finally, the Confederates are backing down. During the Battle of Gettysburg, we were able to use our position to our advantage, forcing the Confederate army to retreat  on the first day! Most notably, during General Pickett's Charge, we captured or killed all the  Rebel forces, leaving General Lee in utter shock and humiliation! Our troops pressured Lee's Rebs all the way back past the Potomac River into Virginia!!

Additionally, our victory during the battle of  Gettysburg allowed us to push into Confederate territory, enabling us to take a huge advantage over the Rebels in capturing the Mississippi River, we split the Confederacy, and their military, in half! 

After this incredible win, we celebrated with a large feast between many regiments with the most delicious foods, including cornbread, Mac and cheese, coffee, and cookies! This spread of Civil War delicacies boosted company morale and finally provided us with a substantial amount of rations before returning to fight for the Union Army! However, I am becoming incredibly home-sick, and long to see my wife and children again some time soon.

May 15, 1863 

Fourth Journal Entry

Dear Journal,

I am currently writing to you in the middle of a battle.  My regiment, as well as those from Massachusetts, New York, Pennsylvania, and Michigan, are all here in Spotsylvania, Virginia participating in a quite fiery altercation with Confederate troops. 

The thick vegetation in this stretch of land has caused quite the disadvantage for us, considering we are not accustomed to this land in the same way the Rebs are. I, in particular, am weary, and suffered a slight injury to my arm as a Confederate bullet grazed my shoulder whilst in battle. As for the actual battle,  it was unlike any other I have since participated in since the start of the dreary war.  During the Battle, I witnessed, and occasionally was part of, some of the most brutal hand-to-hand combat of the war. And in addition to the rain, mud, and forest fires, the terrain made it nearly impossible to see.

Thankfully, it seems as though we are starting to tire out the Rebs, and hopefully soon we will overwhelm them to such a point that they will surrender. Three days ago, Gen. Winfield Hancock led 15,000 Union men in an assault charge, where we briefly captured the line and thousands of opposing soldiers. I do pray that that push is a sign that this gruesome battle can result in a Union victory, but one can only hope.