The collection consists of a letter written by James H. Hurst, Co. K, 50th Pennsylvania Infantry, July 4th, 1862, from Beaufort, South Carolina to his father. The letter describes celebration of the Fourth of July among the Union soldiers stationed around Beaufort, South Carolina. Hurst describes the excitement in camp due to the celebration of the fourth of July. His Colonel planned on making a speech and his captain brought some liquor for the men. All soldiers had the day off and artillery salutes took place. He also laments the dead who were alive one year previous and wishes to be home by the next fourth of July.