This collection consists of a single letter written by Austin Glidden, a corporal in Company G, 23rd Massachusetts Infantry during the American Civil War. Addressed to Glidden's brother Benjamin, the letter was written at Newport News, Virginia on January 1, 1864. Glidden writes that he will soon be home on furlough and solicits his brother's assistance in securing an officer's commission: "Many who are no more fitted than I have received commissions through the efforts of influential friends at home," Glidden writes. He suggests influential residents of Beverly, Massachusetts whom Benjamin might enlist in furthering his cause. Glidden notes that, with the organization by the governor of colored regiments, new officers will be needed. He then mentions others from his regiment who have received such commissions.