Barrier writes that he has not heard from his family in some time, and hopes that they will write soon. He reassures his father that all is well and that his health is good, along with the health of his company and, indeed, the regiment. He describes their current whereabouts—six miles south by east of Culpeper Court House—and the various forms of tent or habitation in camp. He himself is in a mess of 20, whose living situation and routines he describes in some detail. Barrier has sent $80 and a "Harper's Ferry testament" along with his letter; $5 and the testament are to go to his nephew, Luther, and the remaining $75 is for his father to use "to the best advantage." He closes by asking his father to visit, for he imagines he is settled for the winter.