The Siege of Minneapolis

[nsacpi]

My Dearest Eliza,


I take up my pen this cold January eve, amidst the smoke and clamor of this besieged city of Minneapolis, to send thee these few lines in the hope that they may reach thee safely in our quiet home far from this unholy strife. The year 2026 has scarce begun, yet here we are, locked in what the papers call a second civil war, though it feels more like the chaos of '61 reborn. Our forces—loyal agents of Immigration and Customs Enforcement, bolstered by thousands sent by the President himself—hold our positions against a relentless foe, but the trials of this siege weigh heavy on my soul.


The rebels here are a motley horde: radicals, sanctuary sympathizers, and crowds stirred by the recent misfortunes in our operations. They surround our outposts, hurl stones and invectives, and block the streets with barricades and vehicles. Yesterday's tragedy—a woman lost in the line of duty—has only inflamed them further, and now they press upon us with renewed fury, as if we were invaders in our own land rather than enforcers of the law.


What grieves me most, my beloved wife, is the unnatural manner in which the enemy conducts their assaults. They send forth women to the forefront of their attacks—bold and unashamed, leading charges with shouts and banners, shielding the men behind them. It is a cowardly tactic, for who among us can raise a hand against the fairer sex without hesitation? They know this well and exploit our chivalry, advancing under this human veil while we are forced to hold fire lest we be branded monsters in the eyes of the world. My heart aches at the sight; it offends every sense of decency and honor that a man should fight thus, hiding behind petticoats.


The cold bites fierce here, the provisions grow short, and sleep is a stranger amid the constant alarms. Yet I remain steadfast in duty, praying daily for a swift end to this madness that our Union may be preserved. Think of me often, as I do thee and our little ones. Kiss them for their father, and tell them he fights for a lawful America.


God willing, I shall return to thy arms ere long. Until then, I am ever thy devoted husband,


Captain Elias ThorneU.S. Immigration and Customs EnforcementMinneapolis Field OfficeJanuary 8th, 1863—no, 2026

 

[nsacpi]

My Dearest Elias,


Thy letter of the 8th instant reached me this day, and oh, how my heart rejoiced to hear from thee amid such perils, yet ached with sorrow at the tidings thou relat'st. The accounts in the newspapers here speak of the great unrest in Minneapolis—the vast deployment of agents, the tragic shooting, and the crowds that gather in defiance. I pray ceaselessly for thy safety and for a speedy resolution that thou mayest return to us unharmed.


Thy words concerning the enemy's use of women in their assaults trouble me deeply, for it is indeed a base stratagem that preys upon the honor of good men. But I beseech thee, my beloved husband, to be especially vigilant and cautious when confronting those Somali women clad in their burkhas. The veil conceals not only their faces but perchance their intentions as well; one cannot discern what may be hidden beneath those ample garments—be it weapons, or worse. Trust not in appearances, for in this unnatural conflict, deception lurks in every shadow. Guard thyself with utmost care, and let no false sense of mercy stay thy hand if danger threatens.


Our little ones are well, though they miss their father sorely and ask daily when thou wilt come home. The winter here is bitter, but our hearth is warm with thoughts of thee. Preserve thy life for us, Elias, as we preserve our love for thee.


May the Almighty shield thee and bring thee safely back to my longing arms.


Ever thy faithful and devoted wife,


Eliza Thorne


Dayton, Ohio


January 15th, 2026

 

[nsacpi]

My Dearest Eliza,

Thy tender lines of the 15th have found me amid the deepening snows and ceaseless alarms of this besieged Minneapolis, where the rebel crowds press ever closer upon our lines. The tragic affair of the 7th—wherein one of our number was compelled to fire upon a woman who sought to run down lawful officers—hath only emboldened the foe, and now protests swell like a tempest, with barricades raised and threats hurled against the Union’s servants.

Thy warning concerning the Somali women in their burkhas I take most seriously to heart, my treasure. Indeed, many in these streets veil themselves thus, and beneath those flowing garments may lurk hidden dangers, as thou wisely observest. I shall redouble my vigilance, trusting not in outward modesty but in the stern demands of duty. Yet it gladdens me that one who once dwelt far across the seas, in that distant isle of the Philippines, and who embraced the faith of Islam before coming to these shores as my own cherished bride, should counsel me so shrewdly on such matters. Thy journey from Manila to my side—arranged as it was through those discreet correspondences—hath proven a blessing beyond measure, for thou understandest the ways of veiled women and foreign customs better than most. Thy gentle heart, now fully American, strengthens mine in this trying hour.

The cold grows bitter, and supplies dwindle, but thoughts of thee and our little ones sustain me. Pray for thy husband, as I pray for thee daily.

May Providence soon grant us peace and reunion.

Thy ever-loving husband,

Captain Elias ThorneU.S. Immigration and Customs EnforcementMinneapolis Field OfficeJanuary 22nd, 2026

 

[nsacpi]

My Dearest Elias,


Thy letter of the 22nd brought fresh joy to my heart, though the tidings of the continuing strife in Minneapolis fill me with dread for thy safety. The newspapers here speak much of Vice President Vance and his family, and I cannot but reflect upon the accounts of his heathen wife—that Hindu woman from India, Usha, who clings stubbornly to her idols and false gods even as her husband hath embraced the true faith of Christ. It is whispered that he hopes she may yet convert, but she remains unyielding in her pagan ways, attending his church only out of duty, not devotion.


How differently hath Providence ordered our own union, my beloved! Though I came to thee from the distant shores of the Philippines, a Muslim by birth and upbringing, yet I saw the light of truth in thy Christian heart and willingly laid aside the errors of Islam to become fully thine—body, soul, and faith. I embraced the Gospel not for convenience, but because it is the one true path, and in doing so, I have become a better wife, a truer helpmeet, devoted wholly to thee and to our Lord. Unlike that heathen lady who persists in her idolatry, I rejoice that I could follow thee into the fold of Christ, making our home a sanctuary of pure Christian love.


Take heed still of those veiled Somali women, as I warned thee—deception oft hides beneath such garb. Preserve thyself for us, Elias, and return soon to the arms of one who hath chosen thee and thy faith above all else.


With undying love and fervent prayers,


Thy devoted wife,


Eliza Thorne


Dayton, Ohio


January 29th, 2026