Letter from Sally A. Kendrick to Jennie Reed, March 6, 1862

In this letter from March 6, 1862, Sally A. Kendrick writes to Jennie Reed, wife of Samuel Reed, describing her work as a nurse for wounded soldiers at a hospital in Cincinnati, Ohio. She expresses political beliefs similar to Samuel Reed as she discusses her hopes regarding the outcome of the war and as she laments the impending loss of her church's pastor due to offense he has given to a few "secessionists in the church."

Wednesday
March 6 1862

My Dear Friend

It is now 9 o'clock at night this is my only time, or rather the only time that I can call my own. I nurse at the hospital at the morning, from 9, untill [sic] 1 1/2 from 9 to [so] wash the faces and hands of the wounded, combe [sic] their heads, help dress their wounds, then as they are able to sit up make up their beds & c &. I wish that you could see how good and patient they are no murmer [sic] or complaint. All are happy and contented with what we have to give them, so there some 3 or four of us spend the morning with the wounded. I prefered [sic] the wounded ward to any of the others. The afternoons are mostly spent in making shirts for the hospital. I belong to the Ladies Hospital Association in which we bind ourselves to make one garment every week. Some times it is a long open shirt sometimes adressing [sic] gowns. Some times a flannel shirt. So you see we do not have a great deal of play time but I am better for it. You asked me in your last if I was sanguine as to the result. Indeed I am. God will never smile on those who are trying to break up our constitution and our laws, who are trying to break up this Union for which our fathers fought and bleed. Yes we will tryumph [sic] for God is with us, but o [sic] I do wish that it was over and all were once more settled in peace and love. I very seldom hear from Muscatine. Now Mrs. Kennedy writes to me occasionally about her son who is wounded and in the General Hospital at Mound City. He was wounded at the battle of Belmont. Will always be home, poor boy. It is dreadful. I never reallised [sic] it as I do since they have brought so many of the wounded among us.

We are I am affraid [sic] about to loose [sic] our own beloved pastor. He has given some offence [sic] to a few of what I would call secessionist [sic] in the church. They have rebeled [sic] against authority and are persecuting him untill [sic] I fear that he will have to leave. These same persons persecuted Mr. [Tyng], Dr. Butter now Dr. Goddard. Well if he leaves it will be one while before they will get another for the church will get a bad name. All will be affraid [sic] to come. I would be very sorry to see a friend of mine come there now. There never was a better man in the world than Dr. Goddard. I get nervous and excited every time I think of his leaving. I do not intend to get acquainted with the next pastor's family, at all for these people will quarrel with them in two years so that they will have to leave. I intend to suggest to them to addopt [sic] the Methodist plan then they can part without finding so much fault. I begin to think that the best plan. Well this is enough such as it is I hope that you will write to me soon. Give my love to Mr. Reed and Anna.

I am your affectionate friend
L.S. Kendrick