EXHIBITS

The museum's ever-expanding collection of 2,000+ relics also includes exhibits and life size dioramas depicting Slavery, Causes of the Civil War, Artillery (Model 1862 Gatling Gun), Civilian Artifacts and Equipment, Field Medicine, Officer Life, Cavalry Equipment, Life at Sea, Soldier's Life in Camp, Brass Buttons: The Mark of a Soldier, Infantry Weapons & Equipment, Sharpshooters North & South, Antietam's 'Bloody Lane' Fence Rail, The Story of a Medal of Honor Recipient, Battlefield Music, Music for the Home Front, Historic Bricks, and a new gallery featuring Classic Photographs of Virginia.

LEFT: Personal photo, 'Soldier In Great Coat' (Museum Collection)

I could not begin to express my new born hopes for I felt already like I was certain of my freedom now. I did not know what to say for I was dumb with joy and could only thank God and laugh. - Former slave John Washington reflecting on his escape to Falmouth

THE LETTER

The National Civil War Life Museum's collection is itself, a testament to diversity. Our artifacts cover a broad spectrum of histories and this inclusiveness enables people of all backgrounds to relate to the stories of our ancestors. We recently purchased a very special item that has become a centerpiece of our document collection. This letter is an original correspondence from a former slave to her mistress, in which she is requesting that her children be returned, possibly sold or hired, to her. It is a stunning reminder of the heart-wrenching affect that slavery had on the African-American family. The transcript is as follows:

Mrs. Harrison, Dear Madame,

I take this 2nd opportunity of writing to you to ask you if you will not sell my children to me, and if you will not sell them I would like for you to hire them to me. If you would sell them please write and inform me the lowest possible terms or how much you will take per month to hire them. I can give you Dear Madame the best of security for the prompt payment of the money. The following gentlemen will become my agents and securities. Viz Mr. Walter Miller and Mr. Saul Scott, carpet factors on Vine Street, St. Louis. Also, Mr. Spencer from Baltimore and Mr. Kennard of St. Louis. Any of these gentlemen will act as my agent between us. If you will be kind enough to write to me and send the letter by Mr. Saul Scott so that I can get the letter you will confer on me a great favor. Dear Madame, please to give my love to all the family, and kind regards to all inquiring friends. And in conclusion, I sincerely wish you a Merry Christmas and many a happy and prosperous New Year.

Believe me, Dear Madame, to remain your affectionate, obedient servant,

Amanda Holmes