Writing a illustrated letter head stationery in an abandoned home, Spafford writes of guarding the Kettle Run Bridge in Virginia, a brief description of the deserted and burned homes between Manassas Junction and Warrenton Junction, using an old wind mill as a look out tower, the building of block houses for the men allowing them to shoot in all directions, being able to get milk and eggs, having stray dogs stealing fresh beef from the soldiers, inquiries about the draft in Vermont and talk among the men due to be released from the army.