This letter consists of a single letter written by Lieutenant John H. Black of Company G, 12th Pennsylvania Cavalry during the American Civil War. Written from the headquarters of Company G at Bolivar Heights, Virginia (now West Virginia) on October 21, 1864, the letter is addressed to Black's wife, Jennie Leighty Black. Black expresses appreciation for his wife's letters and for his own good health, "the best earthly gift a soldier can possess." Black then relays news of the Battle of Cedar Creek, noting the personnel and equipment captured by Union forces and concluding that "Sheridan is the man for the Shenandoah Valley." After discussing news of personal acquaintances, Black notes that the regiment is receiving recruits to replace casualties of the summer's campaign.