Love and Valor: One Couple's Intimate Civil War Letters

Gr 9 Up—Director and producer Charles F. Larimer searches courthouses and libraries and speaks to family members in order to locate the original letters exchanged by his great-great-grandparents during the Civil War. Written by Jacob Ritner and his wife, Emeline, the letters reveal that Larimer's ancestor was an educated man. In the letters to his wife, he vividly describes his experiences during the war, including the siege of Vicksburg, battles in Georgia, Sherman's March to the Sea, and the occupation of Savannah. (A map would have been useful to locate all the places mentioned.) Jacob mourns the loss of friends and pens harsh words about officers and fellow soldiers who swear, drink, and play cards. Emeline's letters depict home life in Mount Pleasant, IA: taking care of the children, tending the garden, finding fodder for the cow, and sharing news about church socials and neighbors. A musical soundtrack accompanies the narrations and the reenactments of battles and life on the home front. The film is an example of how to search for, and use, primary sources to study not only history but also cultural and social issues. History classes could use this film, perhaps dividing it into segments, to study specific battles and the generals mentioned in the letters. Teachers will need to focus students' attention on these aspects of the film in order to draw their gaze away from the stilted and distracting reenactments, all sure to elicit giggles from today's movie-savvy students.