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George laments that he has lost touch with all his old friends and worries about his father, who is now living alone in the Minnesota woods where he fears more Indian attacks will occur. He also reveals that his brother Nelson was killed at the Battle of Murfreesboro.

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George writes contemplatively about the war and how it started. He blames the war on a few fire-eaters and vagabonds of the South. He also writes of the horrible things that he has witness on the battlefield, saying, I have seen a grate many hart renching sights since I have bin in the service.

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Fighting illness over several days, George says that he is inclined to be homesick. He expresses how deeply he misses everyone in Minnesota. He complains that, at home in Minnesota, times are bad, as prices have risen. He expresses dismay at his father who thinks that the Rebels are getting the better of us and will gain their independence. George, however, expresses confidence that the war will soon be over with the Unionists emerging victorious.

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Expressing dread of the upcoming season of hot weather, George recalls how he witnessed men falling to the ground during marches due to the heat. Although we hopes that the war will be over in a year, he writes that the Union army must take Charleston, Richmond, and Vicksburg for the Confederacy to end. He expresses a deep hatred of the Copperheads of the North, whom he calls a vile reptile species.

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George expresses his deep gratitude for his sister's continued letters and kindness. He writes that he has passed the bracelet that she sent onto his wife, Jane. Grateful that his sister and husband are going to have their picture made to send to him, he sends two dollars to help pay for it. Additionally, George expresses hope that Grant will soon capture Vicksburg.

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George writes his letter on a Saturday because he says that this is when they are expected clean up and prepare for Sunday inspection. In addition, he describes the breakfast that was so good and paltable as well as the drilling that his regiments performs daily. He also writes that no problems with the Indians have occurred in Minnesota where his father lives.

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George writes of his regiment's movement north as well as General Bragg's retreat from Rosecrans' army in June. He expresses with confidence that, with the fall of Vicksburg, the Confederacy will soon end.

Scope and Contents Note George describes an intense bout of diarrhea that had been with him for several days. He writes of all those back home who are being drafted, saying that they should all enjoy there hard earnings in a peaceful country after this cruel war is over. He also expresses his joy at receiving letters from his family and friends. He remarks that he expects some action at Chattanooga as Rosecrans closes in on Bragg's army of 50,000, remarking that he will eather...

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Camped at Chattanooga, George describes the tense atmosphere: the rebel pickets are only about 80 rods from ours. He is grateful that he did not see action at the Battle of Chickamauga, noting that, in his regiment, 33 were killed on the field, and 120 wounded.

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George apologizes for not answering his sister's letter sooner, saying that his duties keep him from doing anything in his spare time but sleep. He says that a rumor is afloat that his regiment might be sent home for the winter, but he is not jumping to any conclusions. He also offers descriptions of life in his camp, which is very close to the enemy.

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George consoles his sister over the death of his brother Nelson. He remarks how hard it must have been to see the remains after being dead so long.

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George is worried because he has not heard from much of his family. He is especially worried because of Indian problems in Minnesota

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George writes of his brother Nelson's death. He sends a picture of executed Indians in Minnesota and writes that he wished that this would be the fate of more Indians in his homeland.

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George inquires about the family farm, saying I should like to swap of soldiering a little while for farming. He sends along some green cotton leaves that he has found.

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Mary writes that she has just learned of Nelson's death. She wants to know how long he was sick and why he died. She writes that he died in a Noble cause. She says that she cannot leave Baltimore. She writes that Frank is now ward master at the hospital and that part of his charge is to see that every thing is done right. She laments that the war is causing a great deal of mourning all over the world.

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Mary states that she has a promotion, and she is now supervising others doing laundry. She also writes that Frank will probably not be sent back to his regiment since he is in charge of two large hospitals. She comments on her brother Nelson's death and remarks on the vast changes in their family in a year, noting that two have since died. She wishes her father would sell the farm and come east.

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Mary reassures her sister that she is safe in the hospital, which is well ventilated. She notes that she has little contact with the sick unless she wants to. She also says that they keep the hospital clean and that they are expecting an inspection.

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Mary discusses the news that her brother George has died, remarking that he had been cut-down. She asks her father to come and live in Baltimore, saying that when the war is over and times are good, they will go back to live with him on the farm. F. A. Cummings, who had contracted with the government for supplies, offers a postscript asking Ruebn to come and live with them in Baltimore.

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Mary talks again of George, writing that she found to very difficult to be reconciled to his death. She informs her sister that she has asked her father to come and live with her in Baltimore. She requests a picture of George.

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Mary writes that she has asked her father to move to Baltimore with them, but he refuses. She states that she constantly misses George, and notes that Frank is still in the hospital but he is thinking of re-enlisting.