A letter home 1864 Charles C. Ward

          Dear Kim Te Juan and Obadiah-Assman.

                                  Once again, I am very sorry for letting your aunts and uncles name you. I am having a fine time in the war, it is indeed difficult but it is nothing that your strong father can't handle! Today me and the boys bought some ingredients from a Sutler. We used pumpkin that we took from a Southern farm and boiled it until thick, then we passed it through a sieve. Once we finished, we mixed it with the flour that we had bought and baked it to make a fine bread! It is absolutely delicious! Tell your mother to make some, it is quiet good. Remember, a Union is stronger than anything, until then, my children, see you later.


            With love, your father,
                                               
                                  Charles C. Ward