This collection contains two letters written by Dudley E. Gale, a soldier in Company L, 3rd Massachusetts Cavalry during the American Civil War. Both items were written to Gale's mother. Writing on December 5 [1862] from New Orleans, Gale at length laments the upcoming departure of Frank, a close friend, for home. He also mentions his company's recent guard duty at Butler's headquarters, in anticipation of a mob, then describes the local weather and proliferation of mosquitoes. The second piece, which appears to be a postscript rather than a complete letter, written on July 23 [year unknown], conveys the news that Gale will soon be returning home on a medical furlough.