This collection consists of a single sheet containing two letters written by A. E. Wood and M. [Jones?], two young women living in Virginia, during the Civil War. Written to "Aunt Ann," the two letters relate to the local depredations of Union soldiers: "Cousin Joe Moores family seven in all are still here ... The Yankees have everything they had even to knives & spoons. They burnt several houses mills & stores in the nieghborhood of cousin Joe & took all the people prisoners they could get." The two writers also convey news of family and neighbors, including births and deaths.

Though the letter is dated September 23, 1861, it was likely written November 23. (The letter dates the birth of cousin Lelia Damarius as occurring three months earlier (Lelia Damarius Wood was born in Botetourt County on August 7, 1861), and it mentions the recent deaths of William Reynolds (William A. Reynolds died in Botetourt County on October 10) and Jimmie Circle (James Wood Circle died in Botetourt County on Oct. 1). Moreover, the second writer notes the day of the week (Saturday), and November 23, 1861 fell on a Saturday, while September 23, 1861 fell on a Monday.)