Barrier recounts his brigade's withdrawal from winter camp near Manassas to Lenoir County, North Carolina, writing from the new encampment near Kinston. Ransom has been promoted to brigadier general, with command of a brigade attached to the Department of North Carolina. Barrier reports that, in comparison with the 2nd North Carolina Cavalry, he is "almost discouraged about our horses," and he requests that his father send him a new mount, "regardless of the cost," for "the State will pay a fair price for a good horse and what it lacks [he] will pay from [his] own pocket." He requests a few other items from home and reports receiving, at last, a box that had been sent to him. He has heard from Sgt. William R. Scott, a man in his company, that his family is well.