The Civil War

Title: Letter From Fort Snelling
Type: Letter
Date: 1861
Source: Minnesota Historical Society

Description: Edward L. Davis, a member of the Minnesota First regiment, wrote this letter during his training at Fort Snelling.
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Activities:

1. What details might suggest to you that this letter was written by Private Davis before he was involved in any battles of the war?
   
   
   
   
   Answer: He mentions that they do not yet have uniforms and that there are a number of spectators who gather to see them practice their drills each day. The fact that a Red Wing friend came to visit also suggests that the soldier is not yet far from home.
2. What differences do you think you might see if this letter was written by a soldier who had been in battle?
   
   
   
   
   Answer: The solider might write about experiences in battle instead of drills and "taking tea." He might also give some information about his location and contact with the opposing side in the war.
3. What might be the "other sources" that Davis suggests have informed Red Wing citizens about their life as soldiers?
   
   
   
   
   Answer: Since Fort Snelling and Red Wing are relatively close together, we can assume that other Red Wing visitors may have beento the fort to see the soldiers. It is also likely that other soldiers had already written home to their families with news of their work at the fort.
4. What would be the purpose of drilling the soldiers for the long hours that Davis describes?
   
   
   
   
   Answer: Having the soldiers practice drills is away to get them ready for battle and teach them how to use their guns and protect their battle lines. Parade drills usually gave troops the opportunity to practice marching in formation.