What does it tell you about the time, place, circumstances, etc. in which it was written?

Locate and read a document written during any time up to 1865. This can be a public or government document, a published newspaper, periodical or book (or chapter or article from a book or paper), a privately written document (letter, diary, etc.), even a work of fiction. Just make sure that it was actually written during the period you are focusing on (a letter from a Civil War soldier to his family at home would be acceptable; a book about the Civil War written in 2011 would not).

Write a brief (3-4 typewritten pages, double spaced minimum) description and analysis about what you have read. Be sure to address the following questions:
1) Who wrote it?
2) When was it written and/or published?
3) Where was it written and/or published?
4) Who was the intended audience?
5) What does it tell you about the time, place, circumstances, etc. in which it was written?
6) How is it different and/or similar to something you might read today?
There is no required “format” for this short paper; just make sure to proofread for spelling and grammar. This is a college level paper and points will be deducted for sloppy work.
The only source or citation you need it of the document you are reporting on.