When Slavery and Rebellion Are Destroyed

A unique collection of intimate letters between Ellen Preston Woodworth and her husband, Samuel, sheds light on the often-overlooked voices of rural Midwestern women during the Civil War era. This correspondence explores gender roles, homefront challenges, and military family struggles, contrasting Ellen's interactions with Indigenous peoples and Samuel's experiences with African Americans in the South. Their spiritual reflections during a lengthy separation provide a personal perspective on the national conflict over slavery and freedom, making a significant contribution to women's history.