A Kansas Soldier at War

Book excerpt: “A valuable publication . . . A social historical case study of the conflicts of conscience experienced by countless families during the Civil War” (Civil War Books and Authors). When war broke out in 1861, Christian and Elise Dubach Isely, soon to be married, found themselves in the midst of the conflict. Having witnessed the atrocities of Bleeding Kansas firsthand and fearful of what would come from this war, Christian enlisted with the 2nd Kansas Cavalry to fight alongside Union forces. During the next three years, the couple would write hundreds of letters to each other, as well as to friends and family members. Their writings survive today, providing a unique look at the Civil War—one of both military and civilian perspectives—in a passionate exchange between husband and wife in which the war, faith, and family are discussed openly and frankly. Includes photos