This is a collection of sixty-one letters written by William A. Huddard to his father during the Civil War. The letters begin in June 1861 and end in April 1864.

Huddard’s letters to his father describe many aspects of life in the western armies during the war. Huddard describes the First Ohio’s involvement in the battles of Perryville, Stones River (Murfreesboro), and Missionary Ridge. He makes references to the battles of Shiloh, Tullahoma, Corinth, and Knoxville. Most of the letters do not describe military engagements, however. Huddard tells his father of his good health. On several occasions, he informs him that he has actually gained weight. Most letters contain a reference to the changing weather conditions. Throughout the collection, Huddard asks his father to write to him and send him supplies, money, stamps, and clothing. Another recurring theme is Huddard’s desire for news, particularly when his regiment is in East Tennessee. Huddard also writes of the hard marches, constant drilling, and the frequent building of defensive positions which included the construction of breastworks and the digging of trenches. Taking it all together, he wrote in early 1862, "I still like a soldier’s life and I hardly think you will see me home until the war is over." Ten letters have been transcribed and these transcriptions are included in the collection.