This collection consists of a single letter and envelope dated 4 January 1862 and written by Charles L. Brown, a corporal in the 16th Mass. Infantry, from Hampton, Va. to his mother in Waltham, Mass. He thanks the folks at home for the "drawers" and "eatables," also mentioning, specifically, the pies, cakes, mittens, shirts, and gloves. He says that he is "as safe here as if we were in Boston," saying that the Confederate commander, [General John B.] Magruder is "more fond of whiskey than fighting."