December 15th, 1861

Late afternoon, the town got late news that occurred a few days ago. The news spoke of the battle of Chusto-Talasah/Caving Banks, occurring on December 9th. In the Tulsa County, Colonel Douglas H. Cooper and his 1,300 Confederates attacked Chief Opothleyahola. The Chief was aware they were coming and placed troops at Horseshoe Bend. They fought for hours until Cooper and his confederates drew the federalists East, where they took the victory. There was word that Cooper and his men from the confederate army, backed off once they drew them East and then left. Knowing this, hopefully everyone is alright.

The wars are so unexpected. My family lives in a very small town in Hollansburg, Ohio. We don't get news of any expected occurrences, only important news that gets telegraphed. I hope no one got hurt, especially Samuel. I don't know what I would do if something happened to Samuel in the war. I would be devastated, it's already hard enough not seeing him month after month. All I wake up to in the morning is to see little Emma and hope for Samuel's return. My family is my everything and without Samuel, Emma and I's life feels incomplete.