Whether sent by email from a Navy carrier today or by a letter courier in the American Revolution. Love letters home are a constant across the centuries. Writing his wife in June 1863, Samuel Campbell of the Massachusetts 55th Volunteer Infantry expresses his love for his family and his determination to end slavery here. Ed Bishop reads the escaped slaves letter home.

June 1863. Dear wife, I have enlisted in on. I am now in the state of Massachusetts. But before this letter reaches you, I will be in North Carolina. And though great is the present national difficulties, yet, I look forward to a brighter day when I should have the opportunity. A career in the full enjoyment of freedom. I would like to know if you are still in slavery.

If you are. It will not be long before we shall have crossed the system that now presses you, for in the course of three months you shall be at liberty. Great is the outpouring of the colored people that is now, and with the hearts of lions, against that very curse that has separated you and me. Yet we shall meet again.

And oh, what happy time that will be when this ungodly rebellion should be put down. And the curse of our land is trampled under our feet. I am a soldier endeavoring to strike at the rebellion that so long kept us in chains. Write to me as soon as you get this letter. Tell me if you are in the same cabin where you used to live.

Tell Eliza I send my best respects and love. I can soliloquy. I would send you some money, but I know is impossible for you to get it. I would like to see little Jenkins now, but I know it is impossible at present. So low. Low. But remain your own affectionate husband until the Samuel Cabell.

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