This collection contains a letter from Thomas L. Preston, of Campbell County, Virginia to John M. Preston, of Smyth County, Virginia. Dated from Yellow Branch P. O., the letter relates to personal matters and family health before ending with a brief discussion of the national political climate and the possibility of impending armed conflict. "Perhaps the direct consequences of the separation of political relations, war, may be near our hearthstone," Preston writes. "I do not know what to anticipate but I will ever be loyal to Virginia & follow my fight if necessary under her flag."