Wild Love Letter

By Edward Heimiller

The American Civil War (1861-1865) was among the costliest American wars. Spurred with passion for the Union cause, Frederick Wilhelm Wild (1842-1923) enlisted as a private in Alexander’s Battery Baltimore Light Artillery. Born on 9 September 1842 in Malaga, Gloucester County, New Jersey, he was the son of German immigrants. While in Williamsport, Maryland, on 20 October 1862, he wrote to his love, Bertha M. Fehleisen (1845-1926). This letter, comprising of romantic verses, was sent as a birthday present and kept by her as a cherished keepsake. During the war, Frederick was captured and spent several months in Libby Prison, Richmond, Virginia. Following the war’s conclusion, he taught at the Maryland School of Boys. After a few years of saving, he finally married his love. He and Bertha married on 25 November 1869 and had five children. His uniform worn during the Civil War and his love letter to Bertha are preserved in the Maryland Center for Military History.