March 31, 1861
What're the men doing?"
"Talking so we won't hear them. Now ther're starting to play cards."
"I can guess what they're talking about. You heard what Reverend Lukas said this morning. If there's a fight, he's going to Mexico."
“I’m glad Reverend Lukas came from Zadverice as he promised and I’m glad he’s settled close enough to have church services, but I didn’t like all that talk this morning.”
“But, Rozina, the men are worried about having to go into the army. There may be a war.”
“War. What are you talking about? My men aren’t going to the army. My sons are too young and we have no slaves. Let the others fight. It has nothing to do with us.”
Veseli Late 1861
Dear Loved Ones,
I sit down to write this letter though it may never reach you. When I write I feel that I am talking to you and I must tell someone what is happening. There has been shooting in Galveston. They say that many have left the town. Many of the Ameriký men have gone to fight. No Moravians and Bohemians will go because it doesn’t have anything to do with us.
Now ships can’t leave Galveston. No mail gets out and we can’t sell our cotton. Bales of cotton are stored everywhere. Business is so bad that Stepan no longer has a job.
Coffee, sugar, and flour are very scarce. Our clothes are very worn out but I can’t find any fabric. Some of the neighbors are talking about learning to spin…
Rozina looked at the words she had written. She set down her pen, put her hands to her face and wept.