The collection includes two letters by Peyton B. Gravely: one to a sister and another to a friend, written during 1863. The first part of the letter to his sister is devoted to a vehement attack on the Reynolds family. The letter suggests the family instigated a rumor about Gravely (the nature of which is never shared). In addition to a brief paragraph on news about family and friends, Gravely also writes about a recent review of General Ewell's troops by Jefferson Davis, in which he intends to wear the Yankee sword he captured at Chancellorsville. The letter to "Joe" details war news, news from home, and Gravely's desire to join the navy.