James [E. Pritchard] writes to his brother John N. Pritchard who is serving in Company K, 7th Iowa Calvary, Fort Randall, Dakota Territory as seen on the envelope included with the letter. James comments on the length of time that it takes to receive mail from Iowa City, sometimes as much as a month. He believes that the rebels have to give up soon. He writes that the Rebels will never regain a hold on east Tennessee. In Waverly, Tennessee 300 confederates surrendered and have taken the oath. James hopes that his brother will write again soon.