War Stories for my Grandchildren

A thoughtful memoir unfolds through the intimate letters of a young Midwestern lawyer who, despite a deep aversion to war, feels compelled to answer President Lincoln’s call after the shocking defeat at Bull Run. The narrator shares the tension between his burgeoning family life and the growing national crisis, offering a candid glimpse of the personal sacrifices behind the Union’s early mobilization.

Through his correspondence, readers hear the raw emotions of a husband and father wrestling with fear, duty, and hope. As he steps into his new role as a major, the narrative captures the urgency and optimism of a nation rallying for a cause that will shape its future. The voice is both reflective and immediate, inviting listeners to connect with the lived experience of a soldier who sought to preserve the Union while yearning for peace.