Parkhurst Letter : May 20, 1863

Parkhurst reflects on his life before the war, and how he misses his children. He wishes he was surrounded by friends and family rather than fellow soldiers. He claims that his situation is that of necessity, the hardships he is facing are necessary to help end the war. He believes the war will go on for many years, until there are no rebels left. He regrets that he will not be able to attend his daughter Maggie's second birthday party.