These July 1861 letters were written by Colonel Carrick W. Heiskell to his sister and niece. In the letter to his sister, Heiskell discusses his surroundings and experiences in the Cumberland Gap while serving in the 19th Tennessee Confederate Infantry. He makes specific note of the mountain area, valleys of Tennessee, and an “abundance of rattlesnakes.” He goes on to discuss his readiness for conflict with the enemy in the days ahead, and soon after mentions the desertion of a relative to the enemy side. Heiskell's next letter to his niece expresses his desire to see her and her family. The letter to his niece ends with a few words about his collection of school books that should be left to “Hugh,” if he is killed.