This collection consists of a single letter from Charles Wilkins, a second lieutenant in Company B, 1st U. S. Infantry during the American Civil War. Addressed to "Dear Brother," the letter was written in a camp three miles from Corinth, Mississippi, on May 23, 1862. Wilkins writes of his recent arrival in camp. He notes that the regiment is "poorly officerd" [sic] and has been drilling with artillery pieces. He anticipates soon having a "striker" (a servant) and being given command of his company. He describes his surroundings--noting that "peaches and apples are about half grown"--and recounts news from camp and his personal activities. The letter is accompanied by a stamped envelope addressed to Hon. Oliver Pillsbury, of Henniker. Because the letter is dated May 23, and the envelope bears a date preceding the 23rd, it seems doubtful that the two were originally paired.