Ann E. (White) Hannum wrote this letter to her son, Dr. Frank H. Hannum, on March 14, 1862. In it, she speaks of a married man who has been living in illicit intercourse with a woman. She also discusses the many men going to war, saying that "it is a deplorable condition, when will god see fit to end this terrible war. Oh my son turn your thoughts to god and prepare for when some time his summons comes whether in a peaceful bed or terrible field."