The Civil War repudiated the doctrine of secession and destroyed the institution of slavery. It also brought African Americans into the armed forces of the United States. Over 200,000 served in the U.S. Army and Navy, including former slave William Butler, in Company H, 2nd U.S. Colored Troops. This poignant letter from his wife Ann, dated January 1865, begs for news from William. She longs for his safe return, and sends news of their children, who are attending school. The letter was found in a knapsack near a dead soldier’s body, presumably William, at the Battle of Natural Bridge in Florida in March 1865. There were three quarters of a million casualties in the Civil War, including one newly freed soldier, beloved by his family, who died to help preserve the American Republic and extend the promise of the Declaration of Independence to all Americans.

The letter reads:

Jan 30 1865
Arlington VA
Freedmens Village

My dear Husband

I have waited and longed and longed and waited for a letter from you but seems all in vain why don't you write to me and let me hear something from you, not since October last have I heard one word from you is anything the matter with you do write and let me know to relieve my anxious mind the children are all anxious to see you and hear from you William is living not very far from me he is waiting on an officer at Fort Woodbury and Mathis is waiting on an officer at Fort Smith near about 2 or 3 miles off but I see him very often which is a great comfort to me as I cannot see you but I hope the time is not far off when I shall once more both see you and be seperated no more until death which is irresistable past us till we see each other let us pray that harm may not overtake I feel it my especial duty and greatest comfort to pray for you at all times You must pray for me and the children Mary is living in Washington she and all the rest send their best love to you their dear absent Father now William when you receive this make no delay in writing but hast to answer this at once and tell me every concerning yourself and your where abouts the smaller children go to school in the village every day they want to see how much they can learn by the time their Father come with spoils from the war. I will say no more not but will trust in the Lord for the safe keeping of us both and our little flock I remain as ever your devoted wife C Ann Butler

Direct your letter as before Freedmen Village care Capt [Carrs]
Arlington VA

Wm Butler Co H 2d US Colored Troops
Cedar Keys
Care Lieut Peas Fla