Emma Emonds Letter by Brendan Ng

Dear War Department,

Hello, my name is Emma Emonds. I am an ardent unionist who lives in fort Scott Kansas with my husband and my three children. Recently I became a soldier under the alias Franklin Thompson who served in the war. I have recently found out that I had a dishonorable discharge and for that, I would like to show you some reasons why my title should instantly be changed to honorable discharge. I have fought in the war, I helped a lot of people in the war. I also gave you a ton of information while I was spying on the enemy behind rebel lines. I have given you info about their location and the artillery too. I also worked at least twelve hours a day and it took forever. I disguised myself as a cuffed slave just for some more information. I was walking around the camp going to talk to my friend when he just died right in front of my eyes. I tried to help him, I grabbed a blanket and a glass of water to comfort him but it was no use. This is the type of person who should have a honorable discharge instead of a dishonorable discharge.

These and other reasons will describe how I should have a honorable discharge. I had captured a very important confederate spy, Charles Mayberry. I was very respectful and kind to everyone and I was very nice to the fellow soldiers. I am not just any soldier who wants to fight in this war nor I am just any women who cleans and makes meals in the kitchen everyday. I also made the north win. I couldn’t of did any better. Even my Colonel said so. Two weeks I layed back and relaxed, then I went to volunteer to be a nurse. Those are some more reasons why I should have a honorable discharge instead of a dishonorable discharge. I understand that I have been charged absent without leave but only because I needed a ton of rest and I didn’t want my secret to come out. I hope you understand, I really do.