



| |

The U.S. Civil War brought new levels of sorrow to the Victorian era. For
example, on June 3,
1864, one of the bloodiest days in the war, nearly 16,000 casualties were
reported. In the battle at Cold Harbor,
General Ulysses Grant's troops assaulted those of General Robert E. Lee. Battles pitted
family, friends, and neighbors against one another. Throughout this period of
American history, Victorian traditions of mourning and loss were both helpful
for healing and nearly impossible for many to closely follow.
Stories of soldiers leaving their wives or new brides with a tear bottle can
be found in literature of the day. Some husbands are said to have hoped that the bottles
would
be full upon their return, as an indication of their wives devotion. Sadly, many
of these men never made it back home.
Historical references also indicate that tears were
saved as a remembrance of loved ones or to pass along to future generations.
|