American Civil War for Kids - The Mail, Letters and Packages

In both the Union and Confederate Armies, much of their leisure time was spent writing letters home. Some soldiers sent part of their pay home in their letters. The arrival of mail in the camp was a time of excitement. Soldiers were not required to share anything received from home.

Letters from home were read and reread. Packages from home contained baked goods, new socks or underwear, soap, towels, combs, toothbrushes and other small items that could be put in a package. Some packages contained civilian clothes to help their loved ones to desert the army and come home.

Civil War letter dated: June, 1862

Civil War letter dated: September, 1862

Civil War letter dated: December, 1864

Camp Life, other Leisure Time Activities

Deserters