Barrier writes from the hospital to inform his father that he is "very sick but not dangerous." He was "taken about ten days ago with dysentery and fever." He reports good treatment and satisfaction with his doctor. His men are in good health; only three are also in the hospital. He hopes for a transfer to Columbia, South Carolina in a few days. The enemy is shelling Charleston: "We still hold batteries Gregg and Wagner on Morris Island. Fort Sumter is almost demolished but we still hold it. I don't think the yankees will ever take Charleston but they certainly will burn it." Barrier finishes by admitting that he is too weak to write anything more.