Miscellaneous document sources, News of the Day
    

Don’t write gloomy letters.

Daily Chronicle & Sentinel [Augusta, GA],
August 8, 1861

Those who have relatives or dear friends in the army ought not to write gloomy or discouraging letters to camp. The soldier has food for sad and gloomy fits, in his own quiet meditations, without being assisted by despondent missives from home. Write the soldiers cheerful and encouraging letters. A letter from home passes the rounds of the camp, and if its tones are bright and cheerful it puts a pleasant hue on all. If you feel sad, don’t write at all, rather than write in a sad strain.

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