The Unopened Letter

This letter was written on June 16 by Ms. Christine Goodman to Seaman Westley Parrish who was on board the CSS Alabama. It was returned to her unopened on June 22, 1864.1

Dear Westley,2

I have received your last letter and am pleased to hear that you are alive and well. Your words lift me up in such hard times and give me such reassurance 3

Have you seen any animals? I'm surprised that there would still be some around with all the fighting we're doing. The only animal I've seen is the old nag my father owns.4

Father's farm is still struggling. All he can grow now is enough food for me and him. Thank goodness we do not have to worry about feeding slaves like the plantation next door.5

The plantation slaves still have not realized that they are free. Either that or they want to stay with their master. I do not blame them. Mr. Shelly is a dear and elderly. He probably requires constant care, but would never hurt a fly.6

Since the farm is doing so badly, I can not afford to buy simple things, like cloth or paper. Not that the stores would have them. It seems we have a shortage of everything. Even the paper I write this letter to you is really wallpaper that I have ripped off the wall. I have also been ripping up the dress that I met you in to patch up my common dresses and Father's farming clothes. You remember? It was a red hoop skirt with a white lace trim. Of course if you were here you would say you don't remember because you were just blown away by my beauty. Of course, if you were here I would not be writing this letter, now would I?7

Do you think of me a lot? I think of you everyday. I remember when you told me that you were joining the Confederate Navy. I cried and you held me close to you chest. You promised me that you would come back in a year or less. It has been two now. I become impatient for you.8

I also remember the day you asked me. It was snowing, but we were warm by your small fireplace. Our clothes were soaked from the warmed snow, but we did not notice. You turned your beautiful hazel eyes to me and asked me to marry you. I eagerly said yes. I believe I will always remember that.9

I hopefully wait for you to safely return and hold me in your arms.10

With love,
Christie