Father-
Self-proclaimed large men from the land of ten seas approach Fort Paycor. We prepare to defend our post with determination, yet there is a feeling of momentum building. Our confidence is high, our casualties few. I believe greatness awaits if we do our duty.
-Joe
3
27
592
9,257
Father-
We return to Fort Paycor upon the heels of our glorious triumph. I confess my spirits have not been so high in many a moon. My sidearm has never failed me; I should ask more of it. The coming weeks afford us ample opportunities to exploit our recent success.
-Joe
3
37
692
9,226
Father-
Victory! What a glorious triumph it was. At first, confusion reigned and the men stood bewildered. But then we awoke and I gave a sidearm demonstration that shall inspire songs for generations. Those who scorned us shall soon rue their folly. Give Mother my love.
-Joe
6
80
1,013
12,241
Father-
The regiment is in good health in B’more, where we engage a flock of Ravens on the morrow. Much is made of these black-feathered fiends. I confess they stir little terror in my breast. Let them caw and flap; I have faced worse in a barnyard. Pray fortune favors us.
-Joe
4
32
644
10,142
Father-
We languish in camp this week. Some men are on leave, others devote themselves to spirited marksmanship contests against unfortunate tree stumps. A few compose songs about our commanding general, whose virtues multiply considerably after a generous ration of whiskey.
-Joe
2
14
426
6,861
Father-
We vanquished the pod of Dolphins; my sidearm was in good working order. It was never as close as the final tally suggests. We seem to take a perverse pleasure in allowing the foe to feel he has a fighting chance. Now we have a week’s respite to replenish our stores.
-Joe
6
56
795
13,322
Father-
These are grievous times in camp. Every fellow who has never commanded so much as a mule now presumes to instruct us in the art of war. We must close ranks. A hard fight is not a lost fight, and gloomy blatherskites have yet to win a battle. Have faith in your son.
-Joe
8
29
586
10,494
Father-
Another defeat; the cries for the relief of our commanding general grow. I must confess, his orders lack spirit and we often appear as men waiting patiently to be beaten. However, my sidearm suffered 2 misfires, and a soldier must answer for his own powder and shot.
-Joe
10
46
712
13,670
Father-
I pondered how a pack of Jaguars might contrive to bring Tigers to heel. Alas, this absurdity awaits us. They are led by a scraggly-haired man, Lawrence, whom I have thrashed time and again. The poor fellow must by now be growing accustomed to his misfortunes.
-Joe
8
39
648
17,162
Father-
We were defeated in what I reckon will not be remembered as our finest three hours. We committed no small number of blunders and received a proper drubbing in a manner we had not anticipated. We shall endeavor to keep our dignity, if possible. A long week is ahead.
-Joe
9
36
885
19,387
Father-
I confess I cannot fathom what manner of creature a “Steeler” is. By their swagger, I take them for a band of blatherskites, mighty in boast but poor in courage. I expect to send the whole lot home humbled, whilst bringing victory to our beloved city. Love to Mother.
-Joe
10
54
869
14,654
Father-
We march next to the confluence of three rivers, where we shall meet the Tin Men in battle. They are led by a cantankerous old veteran on his last legs; his sidearm is no longer in the best of working order. We shall return victorious. Give Mother my fondest love.
-Joe
11
77
1,134
19,638
Father-
We have delivered the victory at Houston! Allow me a moment for reflection, and give heed to my words: our defense is both cunning and dangerous. It warms my heart beyond measure to tell you how dearly I love them.
-Joe
7
135
1,676
19,389
Father-
I rec’d your letter regarding my name on a casualty list with a lame back. Please tell Mother I am fine. The Texans deceive themselves to think otherwise. I shall take to the field a day hence and am quite serious when I say any suggestion otherwise is pure rubbish.
-Joe
2
67
890
46,401
Father-
You might find it interesting to learn a peculiar band of Texans awaits us on the morrow. They were unable to stop a herd of buffalo but seem perchance to try and have their way with tigers. We shall see to it that is not the case. Pray good fortune.
-Joe
3
56
992
15,008
Father-
I write with the great news of victory! A band of pirates led by a pastry chef assaulted Fort Paycor on this day. We sent them away quite discouraged. Upon the whole the day was most fortunate. I feel more alive than I can recall in recent years. Love to Mother.
-Joe
8
167
1,995
59,786
Father-
Another fall campaign looms. Anticipation, high. Morale, excellent. Let us do what we must at this place.
It’s go time.
-Joe
12
135
1,423
22,853