Poppea of the Post-Office

"Poppea of the Post-Office" by Mabel Osgood Wright is a story set in a small town during the American Civil War, where Oliver Gilbert, a postmaster, finds an abandoned baby girl at his post office. The narrative begins with Oliver anxiously awaiting the delayed evening mail during a snowstorm, showcasing the post office’s central role in the town. As Oliver and other local men discuss the war’s impact, a baby, wrapped in a buffalo robe, is left on his doorstep. The child stirs deep feelings within Oliver, reminding him of his deceased daughter. The story explores themes of family, loss, community, responsibility, and the search for companionship amidst the chaos of war, while also hinting at the mystery behind the child’s abandonment.