State Historical Society of Iowa

Letter from Annie Wittenmyer to Governor Samuel Kirkwood, 1863

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Courtesy of State Historical Society of Iowa, Kirkwood, Samuel, pp. 115-116, 1863

Description

This document is a letter from Annie Wittenmyer to Iowa Governor Samuel Kirkwood that was published in the Keokuk Weekly Gate City in 1863. Wittenmyer outlined her efforts as State Sanitary Agent and the needs that remained in caring for Iowa's Civil War casualties.

Transcript of Letter from Annie Wittenmyer to Governor Samuel Kirkwood

Source Dependent Questions

  • What was Annie Wittenmyer's dual purpose in writing this open letter? Why did she write it to Governor Samuel Kirkwood? Why did she publish it for the public?
  • From Wittenmyer's report, what was positive, and what still needed to be addressed?
  • Compare this letter to her letter to the Soldiers' Aid Societies of Iowa Ladies. What common themes tied together the two letters? How did her word choice and use of persuasive language compare?
  • Compare this letter to her letter to the Soldiers' Aid Societies of Iowa Ladies. What are common themes running through both letters?

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