The collection consists of a single letter from Sgt William S. Tippett to his wife, Maggie. Written from a parole camp in Annapolis, Maryland, the letter opens with Tippett's comments on news from home. A majority of the letter, however,details his stay in Belle Island prison (Richmond) from September 1863 until early March 1864. In particular, he describes the food (or lack of) and the poor conditions.