Discusses the capture of Cushman, the leader of a guerilla band in the country. Also talks of the treatment of blacks and gives his opinion of emancipation.

Talks of deserters coming into camp. Also discusses food, including a pie he bought in town.

Tells of newspaper reports of deserters coming into Rosecrans' army by the hundreds and notes the arrival of deserters from Bragg's army at his camp.

Talks about his camp's location and the weather. Also describes camp life, including beds, tents, and food.

Reports news about the Queen of the West, a ram boat attacked near Vicksburg, saying that some of the soldiers on board may have been traitors. Also talks about confiscating molasses and other goods.

Describes excitement in camp caused by a report of the fall of Vicksburg. Also talks about a former slave who he would like to work for him at home.

Talks about newspaper reports of Grant in Vicksburg.

Includes more news of Grant in Vicksburg. Tells his wife that he is proud of the work she had done while he is gone, but he feels guilty about leaving her alone. Notes that he has given up the bass drum and is now in charge of the tennor [sic] drum.

Tells of rumors of a sunken boat nearby that may have carried whiskey. Also tells of a soldier's accidental drowning.

Talks of the surrender of Vicksburg. Also notes the resignation of Old Stansberry, their commander.

Describes rumors that the Union has taken Charleston. Discusses the importance of Charleston. Asks about people at home.

Tells of gifts he has sent home and things he has bought for himself.

Talks about the hanging of three black men who were charged with killing a white family. Discusses the crowd, saying people turned out as though they thought such things were a pleasant sight. Also asks about the grain harvest at home.

Talks about news from home. Also says that he does not know when he will be able to return home, saying the way may close up very sudden and it may linger a long time. Our government might finish it up in 3 months if they had a mind to, but the question is will they do it.

Describes his trip from Columbus to VIcksburg, including all of the destruction of land and buildings in the area. Says Vicksburg is a large city, with more natural advantages for fortifying than any other place in America. Also notes that black soldiers have been performing most of the guard duty in town.

Talks about the importance of taking the Mississippi River. Also tells of capturing a plantation owner and his slaves, making the plantation owner swear the Oath of Allegiance, and freeing the slaves. Describes how he has earned extra money by selling beer, saying if I had any thing to make it in I could make more selling beer than I could soldiering.

Discusses brushes with the Rebels during their trip from Alexandria. Notes that he does not know the name of the place. Some French name.

Talks of Confederate deserters and rumors of where the company will go next. Also describes the women in town, saying that they got themselves up in Stile [sic].

Notes the discovery of an abundance of walnutes and butternuts by some of the men in the company. Also describes the growth of Columbus as heaps of business down their [sic] now and ... built up at all the River.

Describes the arrival of the official dispatch of the taking of Vicksburg and the ensuing celebration in camp.