When war broke out in 1861, Christian and EliseDubach Isely, soon to be married, found themselves in the midst of theconflict. Having witnessed the atrocities of Bleeding Kansas firsthand andfearful of what would come from this war, Christian enlisted with the 2^ndKansas Cavalry to fight alongside Union forces. During the next three years,the couple would write hundreds of letters to each other, as well as to friendsand family members. Their writings survive today, providing a unique look atthe Civil War—one of both military and civilian perspectives—in a passionateexchange between husband and wife in which the war, faith and family arediscussed openly and frankly.