This collection consists of a single letter from Union soldier R. Buckley, writing from Rock Island to his mother and wife. The writer is likely Ralph Buckley of the 197th Pennsylvania Infantry. Buckley writes briefly of personal matters, health, and weather and is happy to report that the health of his regiment is improving: "I have not a man that is dangeriously ill ..." He notes that the regiment has had two deaths and that he will enclose papers for Mr. Evans so that he can collect the pay due his son. The closing passage suggests that Buckley will soon be returning home: "Now Sally in about three weeks you will be enciously looking to heare of your humbug being on his way to Phila, it is not long to keep up Salley, by increased affection we will pay up for our separation ..."