My Dear Nelly: The Selected Civil War Letters of General Orlando M. Poe to His Wife Eleanor

Main Themes and Topics

edited by Paul Taylor offers a compelling glimpse into the Civil War through the personal letters of General Orlando M. Poe. The main themes revolve around love, duty, and the struggle to balance the demands of military life with personal relationships. Through 241 letters, readers are introduced to the intimate world of Poe's relationship with his wife, Eleanor, highlighting the emotional strain and resilience required to maintain a marriage during the tumultuous war years.

The letters reveal Poe's observations on societal issues, marital responsibilities, and a soldier's sense of duty. These themes are woven into the fabric of wartime experiences, providing a lens through which to view mid-19th century husband-wife relationships. Additionally, Poe's reflections on societal norms and his strong sense of social awareness illustrate the contrasting forces of manliness and domesticity of the era. His accounts also offer insights into major military campaigns, making the book an essential resource for understanding the complexities of the Civil War beyond the battlefield.

Writing Style and Tone

The writing style of My Dear Nelly is characterized by its literate and intimate nature. General Poe's letters are eloquently crafted, offering readers a deeply personal and articulate perspective on the war and his marriage. The tone is both candid and introspective, managing to convey the raw emotions and thoughts of an officer on the battlefield longing for his wife. The inclusion of editorial notes and annotations by Paul Taylor serves to contextualize the letters within the broader timeline of the war, enhancing the reader's understanding of Poe's experiences and sentiments.

Brief Summary

is a collection of Civil War-era letters written by General Orlando M. Poe to his wife, Eleanor. Spanning the entirety of the war, these letters provide a unique personal account of Poe's experiences and emotions. Beyond documenting his military exploits, the book also explores themes of love, duty, and the personal sacrifices made by soldiers and their families during the war. Editor Paul Taylor enriches the letters with insightful annotations, placing Poe's intimate correspondence within the broader context of the Civil War and offering readers an engaging and informative journey into this critical period of American history.