My Dearest Rose,
I had hoped it would never come to this but the colonies have declared war on Great Britain . There had been hope that I would have gained enough to pay for your passage to the colonies but now we must wait longer. I keep my hopes and spirits high, for if my spirits fail than the country may also. I know you truly wish for the colonies to stay apart of Great Britain, but my dear that can not be the case. If the colonies were to stay with Britain, they they would rot away to nothing. I must fight for the Patriot cause, even if it may break your heart.
We spent a winter at a horrid place known as Valley Forge and believe me, I do not wish camping there upon my worst enemy or the British. The entirety of winter was cold, with little food and thin walls to keep us warm. The only warmth I had was the thought of you, oh how the world fades away when I think of you. To he honest I have used this tactic many a night to fall asleep. We woke before dawn and studied tactics with a few people from the kingdom of Prussia. One man f the Prussia military would not stop calling himself "awesome" which began to set off the other officers, however I have found it enduring. The Prussians train us well, but their training is tiring. Many a time, I have found myself falling asleep as soon as training is over.
I grow tired of these morbid details of my life, let me ask of yours. How are your embroidery and piano lessons? How you learned to play Chopin yet or is you mother still having you play Beethoven? How are Alistar, Peter, and the others? Please tell me they do not wish to join the war, I could never stand the thought of meeting your brothers on the battlefield. Please tell little peter that I miss him, and that he can not get into any mischief without me.
The night grows long now, and sadly I must get up before dawn, so my dear Rose, I wish you good night.
May this letter find you well,
Alfred F. Jones
U.S. Continental Army Lieutenant