Barrier was exchanged on 15 August 1861. During the first two weeks of September the 8th North Carolina reassembled at Camp Mangum, a few miles west of Raleigh on the North Carolina Railroad. Barrier writes that he and the regiment are in good spirits and good health, though they want for something to do. Not every company has reported in, nor has Colonel Ransom yet made his appearance. Barrier tells his father that, if any men at home wish to join Co. H they had better report for duty soon, since the company is only 16 men short of its quota of 100. Finally, he requests that his mother send him candles, for they aren't readily available at a reasonable price in camp.