This week I was contacted by a Christian family from Roanoke whose seven year-old son is participating in a ‘living timeline’ program. His selection of character was a subject near and dear to my heart, Richard Rowland Kirkland, “The Angel of Marye's Heights.” Apparently his mother had been doing some research online in preparation for the presentation and uniform and came upon my published work on the humanitarian including my devotional essay, round table presentation, and upcoming walking tour.

She emailed to see if I could send here transcripts of any of Kirkland’s personal correspondence and I gladly sent her three of Richard’s letters that were provided to me by the lovely Susan Sweet of the Orange County CW Round Table out in CA. The first one was written in April of 1861 when the young recruit was still in training for what was to come. You can read the anxiousness in his ‘voice’ as the anticipation of what lies ahead is apparent. The other two letters take place the following year and Kirkland’s maturation is evident.

I find it wonderfully extraordinary that a seven year-old would select Sgt. Kirkland as his character and I wish him the best of luck with his program. His mother promised to send a picture of his costume and a copy of a tract that they have passed out on the subject titled “Water for the Wounded.”

In the meantime I have posted a JPG (scan) of one of the letter transcripts for your own reading here. Enjoy.