George A. Gammon's letter, written on 1863 November 19, gives a Confederate perspective of the Civil War. At the time the letter was written, Gammon was stationed in Dalton, Georgia with the Department of East Tennessee. The letter is addressed to his father, but Gammon's hometown is unknown. In the letter Gammon expresses his objection to the Union's imprisonment of Southern property holders and makes clear his hatred for the Union Army, saying that They are such a mean, despicable, barbarous race of beings. Gammon is also concerned that his family will be taken by the Federal Troops. Gammon mentions that he is still under the command of Captain Bennett, but notes that Bennett is currently in West Tennessee with General Nathan Bedford Forrest. He speculates that he will soon be moved to Knoxville, Tennessee, but goes on to say that he really does not know. The postscript to the letter asks his father to pay a debt he has incurred and assures his father that he is owed enough money from the Government to eventually pay him back.

Matthew Cowden's first letter, addressed to his family in Pennsylvania, is dated 1863 December 17. In it, he discusses General James Longstreet's reinforcement and his push on the Union Army. Cowden states that Longstreet has pushed the Union Army to eighteen miles outside of Knoxville. Surprisingly, Cowden feels that there is no cause for alarm, since the Union Army is prepared for any Confederate troop surge. Cowden is, however, very negative about the loss of a supply train containing coffee and sugar. The train was captured by the Confederate Army and Cowden fears the short supply of coffee they have left. He also wishes his family good tidings for the holidays and describes his Thanksgiving dinner, stating that he hopes his Christmas Dinner is better.

The final letter in this collection was written by Cowden to his sister. The letter is written from Blaine's Crossroads, Tennessee, an area approximately eighteen miles from Knoxville. The letter is dated 1863 December 29. Cowden describes the trip from Knoxville to Blaine's Crossroads as being difficult. He and his Negro driver were plagued with various transportation problems along the way and were forced to stop for the night in an unoccupied house near the railroad, where they lit a large fire to combat the blistering cold. Cowden arrived in camp on Christmas Day and described his dinner as being good, but in no way luxurious. The conditions at Blaine's Crossroads are cold and horrible. Cowden also includes in this letter a piece of poetry written about General Longstreet's visit to Knoxville.