The collection includes a letter written by James B. Allen to his mother, Nancy Allen in Hanover County, Virginia. Allen's letter, dated August 30, 1863 was written from Orange Court House, Virginia (modern day Orange, Virginia). Allen, a private in Company, I, 15th Virginia Infantry, relates how revivals have been increasing in his regiment and the camp. He tells her religious meetings were being held regularly, mentions eating watermelon, and requests his mother to send him some food items and a shirt.