Gallaher writes to his father about the friends he has visited near his camp and reports that he is "very well satisfied with camp life."
William B. Gallaher describes his satisfaction with camp life and his anticipation of troop movement. He cautions his mother to "keep a sharp look out" on the farm yard and stable.
William B. Gallaher describes an accident in camp, mentions a visit to his grandfather's home, and requests a box of provisions.
William B. Gallaher writes to his brothers about his adjustment to camp life, advises them on cattle, and reminds them to mind their mother.
William B. Gallaher discusses food, clothes, money, friends, and picket duty.
William B. Gallaher writes to his mother about his father's visit, his new commission, the food in camp, his good behavior, his religious readings, getting his washing done, and interactions with old acquaintances. He assures his mother that with the provisions sent from home and gifts from the "country people" the soldiers "live very well."
William B. Gallaher describes being fired upon by some "roudy boatmen on the Maryland side" as a discomfort but not a major scare.
William B. Gallaher describes new additions to the camp, an incident of Federal looting, and the capture of two Federal officers. He also instructs his mother on camp fashions and requests "decent" clothes befitting an officer.
William B. Gallaher tallies the numbers of deaths, casualties, and prisoners from a "Large Battle." He describes the dead bodies on the field as well as the "Dragoon Saddle" he took from a fallen Yankee horse.
William B. Gallaher writes his father about receiving his commission and returning to camp after an illness.
William B. Gallaher complains to his mother about the Yankee depletion of food resources which prompted raids on Yankee farms in Fairfax. He received his commission as second lieutenant and anticipates resigning when he gets "tired of soldiering" in a few weeks.
William B. Gallaher receives a letter from his business associates about their contract for leather.
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