In 1961 my grandparents bought the abandoned farm on Maple Tree lane. We moved in shortly there after. Little did they know there was an unidentified cemetery right where they put their first garden. We never gave much thought to the many and sometimes mysterious farming accidents that happened over the years. Or why livestock would refuse to use the old horse barn for some unexplained reason. Things started making sense when odd bits of letters were found tucked inside walls and the diary of a high school student was discovered in the attic…

— Patty Dick Leonard, 2009

September 6th, 1862

Dearest brother,
This past week they have been carting in soldiers from the recent battle at Manassas. Throughout Warrenton, makeshift hospitals have been established. I am stationed at an old farmhouse just outside the town. They operate on the kitchen table. The whole house smells of death. The lucky ones are taken to the Warrenton Cemetery. Most of them amputees, with mangled arms and legs already buried in the cattle pastures nearest to the house to prevent the spread of disease; I hope they are still able to rest in peace.

The true horrors of this war I dare not describe, even to you my brother. Every night I am haunted by the images of their dying faces, burned in my eyes. My cough keeps me awake most of the night and I lay listening to the quite groans, sometimes a solider will scream out in sudden pain, only to be quickly restrained. If I can regain my strength I hope to be back home before the cold weather set in Virginia. There are rumors that last year there were as many amputations from frost bite as fighting. Such are the conditions.

I confide this only to you. Please tell the family I am well and look forward to taking leave soon.

William Anderson

Letter found tucked in a now crumbling wall with old bottles, we’re not sure why it was never mailed.