This collection consists of a twelve-page letter written by Horace Holcomb, a corporal in the 10th New Hampshire Infantry during the Civil War. Written from a camp in Manchester, Virginia, the letter is addressed to Holcomb's friend Jennie. Holcomb briefly describes the ruins of Richmond and notes that he has been assigned to oversee the repair of a bridge connecting Manchester with Richmond. After describing the work, Holcomb writes, "I have brought my writing material with me, and while the men are working, I am writing, too deeply impressed with my Corporal's dignity to assist them..." Holcomb also comments on the capture of Jefferson Davis, then lists the punishments that he would inflict on Davis, given the opportunity. Holcomb mentions that he has made the acquaintance of a local widow and her daughters and also discusses male-female relationships, nature, and religion, particularly focusing on a friend in the company who "is an avowed infidel."