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Memoir 3, Page 17, Women of the War

"they could lay their gentle hands on the brow of some Mississippi or Virginia lady's loved on hoping that the kindness might be reciprocated."

This was a common wish among many Civil War-era woman, particularly as dying was expected to happen at home while surrounded by family. As this was not a possibility for most soldiers, many women chose to step in to serve in this role for strangers with the hope that someone would do the same for their loved ones. This idea can be seen in homefront songs of the day, such as “Let Me Kiss Him for His Mother” and “Bless the Lips that Kissed our Darling” (also known an “Answer to: Let Me Kiss Him for His Mother”). For the full lyrics of these songs, click here.