Thomas M. Walker wrote this letter to his mother and sister. It describes his camp in Chattanooga in relation to a similar geographic location where his family lives. Walker discusses a battle where they were beaten badly, yet held onto Chattanooga. Walker notes that they have been living on half rations and are shelled randomly. The Confederate shells do little harm, so he does not worry much about them. Walker quells his mother's fears that he will re-enlist, saying if he does it will not be for a long time. Walker's discussion of Chattanooga includes talk of Confederate attempts to take Lookout Mountain, which he describes as unsuccessful.