Joanna Curtiss, Warren, Conn., March 3, 1865
Title
Joanna Curtiss, Warren, Conn., March 3, 1865
Subject
United States--History--Civil War, 1861-1865
Reconstruction (U.S. history, 1865-1877)
United States. Army. Connecticut Artillery Regiment, 2nd (1863-1865)
Grant, Ulysses S. -- (Ulysses Simpson), -- 1822-1885 -- Public opinion
Description
Joanna Curtiss writes to her son Homer about the coming end of the war, the work of Reconstruction, Grant's strategy, and her concerns over profiteering.
Date
1865-03-03
Text
March 3rd, ’65 (1865)
Dear Homer
When I read the
papers day by day I cannot but hope
that the day is not so very far off
that this war (proper) may be said
to be over - still I sometimes fear that
we are not yet sufficiently awake
to the responsibilities resting upon
us as a nation - it appears to me
there will be a great work for this gen-
eration, to provide for the maimed and
crippled, the widowed and fatherless,
for the education of the orphans - and
to assist the Freedmen + their families
to become useful and happy mem-
bers of society - can any look at this
work if he is a Christian, or a philan-
thropist, and feel justified in making
money to pile up? It would seem
impossible - - you don’t know how
I thank you, for every letter you write
us, it is the next best thing to seeing you -
[Page 2]
When I think how short the time is
to Sept - I always think of dear Alfred -
but the same Father who has thus far
sustained, will still order all events
concerning us, as he sees best for us-
May we all be able to say heartily
“not as I will but as thou will”
Have you any idea that Grant in-
tends to attack Lee? Or does he only
wish to keep him where he is until
Sherman shows himself again, vic-
torious? I think no one can look on with
out some anxiety, yet it seems to me
that in many cases money, + money ma-
king is at the bottom of it all - perhaps
I am uncharitable, I would not be so -
but it makes me sick almost, to see the
maker of a dollar given, or asked for in
charity - enough of this - I am feeling bet-
ter for a week or two, than for some time -
let us be thankful for the blessings we
have, and trust for the future - - hoping
and praying that we may meet, + unite
in thanksgiving to God for grace + liberty
I remain your Mother
J S Curtiss
Dear Homer
When I read the
papers day by day I cannot but hope
that the day is not so very far off
that this war (proper) may be said
to be over - still I sometimes fear that
we are not yet sufficiently awake
to the responsibilities resting upon
us as a nation - it appears to me
there will be a great work for this gen-
eration, to provide for the maimed and
crippled, the widowed and fatherless,
for the education of the orphans - and
to assist the Freedmen + their families
to become useful and happy mem-
bers of society - can any look at this
work if he is a Christian, or a philan-
thropist, and feel justified in making
money to pile up? It would seem
impossible - - you don’t know how
I thank you, for every letter you write
us, it is the next best thing to seeing you -
[Page 2]
When I think how short the time is
to Sept - I always think of dear Alfred -
but the same Father who has thus far
sustained, will still order all events
concerning us, as he sees best for us-
May we all be able to say heartily
“not as I will but as thou will”
Have you any idea that Grant in-
tends to attack Lee? Or does he only
wish to keep him where he is until
Sherman shows himself again, vic-
torious? I think no one can look on with
out some anxiety, yet it seems to me
that in many cases money, + money ma-
king is at the bottom of it all - perhaps
I am uncharitable, I would not be so -
but it makes me sick almost, to see the
maker of a dollar given, or asked for in
charity - enough of this - I am feeling bet-
ter for a week or two, than for some time -
let us be thankful for the blessings we
have, and trust for the future - - hoping
and praying that we may meet, + unite
in thanksgiving to God for grace + liberty
I remain your Mother
J S Curtiss
Original Format
ALS
Files
Citation
“Joanna Curtiss, Warren, Conn., March 3, 1865,” Linda Lear Center Digital Collections and Exhibitions, accessed April 16, 2024, https://lc-digital.conncoll.edu/items/show/1662.