My Dearest Judith

On January 8, 1863 the Confederate Artillery attacked the Union force occupying Springfield, MO. In a letter written to his wife, Judith, Union LT. James Hotchkiss relates how he and Confederate CPL. Charles Wellmont seek shelter in the same foxhole early in the battle. Though initially attempting to kill each other, the two decide upon an uneasy truce based on mutual survival. While the battle rages around them, the two soldiers come to realize that they have much in common. Although they come from drastically different backgrounds, both have left wives, children, and loving families behind. Somehow the ideals of their respective causes seem to pale by comparison to the personal sacrifices they are suffering. The day fades to frigid night and neither soldier dares light a fire. With his dying breath, Lt. Hotchkiss relates his conviction that, duty or not, he has murdered Charles Wellmont, an act which has doomed his soul for all eternity. It is rumored that General Brown was so moved by the letter, that he personally delivered the letter to Judith in the months following the armistice.