TASK:
Write a civil war letter from the perspective of a soldier corresponding with another
soldier. If your last name falls between the letters “A” through “M”, pretend that you are
a Union soldier. If your last name falls between the letters “N” through “Z”, pretend that
you are a Confederate soldier.
INCLUDE:
Paragraph 1:
In an introduction, make a personal connection. The letter needs to be written as if you
are a friend or cousin of another soldier. Remember that a 5th grade student will
actually read your letter. Therefore, the letters must be appropriate for the age group.
Be creative.
Paragraph 2:
Describe in detail the significance of a statistic or fact from the Civil War that you, as a
member of the Union or Confederacy, experienced. It may be from a battle, but not the
same battle discussed in paragraph 3. Provide at least three relevant and supporting
facts.
Paragraph 3:
Describe in detail a battle that you fought in or are currently fighting in from the Civil War.
We have not covered all the battles in class so you may want to use your textbook as a
resource. Examples include Bull Run (1st or 2nd), Antietam, Fredericksburg,
Chancellorsville, Vicksburg, etc. Provide at least three supporting facts relevant to this
event
Paragraph 4:
Choose one from the following list and thoroughly explain in your letter: food, weapons,
warfare strategies, prison life, poor Union leadership, and others that are approved.
Provide at least three relevant and supporting facts.
Paragraph 5:
In a conclusion, make a personal connection. Be creative but appropriate.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
a. Grammar counts!!! Even though this activity simulates a personal letter, it is
also a homework assignment. Therefore, grammar will be graded. That is,
write complete sentences and in proper paragraph form. PROOFREAD!!!!
b. The letter must be typed, double-spaced, and should include a date (from the
Civil War era) in the upper right hand corner of the first page. If it is not
typed, it will not be accepted.
c. Begin with “Dear Cousin” or “Dear Friend”; sign “Sincerely,” and add your first
and last name.
d. Use your textbook, Civil War readings, and notes from lectures/videos to
assist you with this assignment.
DUE DATE: _____________________. You will have time in class to work on this
assignment.
CIVIL WAR LETTER
US HISTORY
Name:
Union or Confederate
CATEGORY
Quality of
Information
7
5
3
1
Information clearly
relates to the main
topic. It includes 8 to
10 supporting details
and/or examples.
Information clearly
relates to the main
topic. It provides 6 to
7 supporting details
and/or examples.
Information clearly
relates to the main
topic. 3 to 5
supporting details
Information has little
or nothing to do with
the main topic and/or
very few details.
Creativity and
the Role of the
Writer
Writes in role
assigned with several
personal statements
connecting to the
reader
Writes in role
assigned with some
personal statements
connecting to the
reader
Writes in role
assigned with a few
personal statements
connecting to the
reader
Fails to write in role
assigned with little or
no statements
connecting to the
reader
Organization &
Gumps:
Grammar,
Usage,
Mechanics,
Punctuation
Spelling
Information is very
organized with wellconstructed
paragraphs. Well
defined introduction,
body, and
conclusion. Few if
any errors (GUMPS)
that distract the
reader or interfere
with meaning
Information is
somewhat organized.
Either introduction,
body, or conclusion is
lacking organization.
Some errors
(GUMPS) which
rarely distract the
reader or interfere
with meaning
Information is not well
organized. 2 of the 3
components are
lacking organization.
Several distracting
errors (GUMPS)
which sometimes
interfere with
meaning
All components are
poorly organized or
missing. Errors
(GUMPS) are
frequent and interfere
with meaning
Total
/21 Major Project Points!