Howe writes about actions he was involved in as his regiment went on an expedition from Murfreesboro through Auburn, Liberty, Snow Hill and surrounding areas, 2 to 6 April. He also discusses his brothers, people at home and news of spies being executed in Murfreesboro.

Howe writes of his pleasure at being assigned to brigade headquarters (1st Cavalry Brigade, Army of the Cumberland) as a member of the provost guard. His responsibilities are "to gard priseners and arest unruley soldiers and gard union mens houses when on a scout." He also writes of a cavalry engagement around Franklin about 10 April, in which he was involved.

Howe describes an expedition from Murfreesboro to McMinnville (from 20 April), and guarding captured Confederates. He also gives an upbeat assessment of the war and writes of people back home.

Howe describes the ragged state of the Confederate troops and insists that Bragg plys his men with whiskey to get them to fight.

Howe voices his frustration at news of Union defeat at Chancellorsville, after hearing false reports two days earlier that Gen. Hooker had won that battle. He rails against draft exemption payments and substitutes.

Howe writes about life in camp. He expresses optimism about the war after hearing of the deaths of Stonewall Jackson and Earl Van Dorn.

Howe describes a small victory by his regiment at Middleton, Tennessee during an expedition from Murfreesboro to Middleton. He also writes about people at home and asks Jeanette to send messages to them for him.

Howe expresses contempt for Copperheads back home and cites (premature) news that Vicksburg has been taken to justify his optimism about the war. He also writes about camp life and picking up escaped slaves and vows to send money home to Jeanette's family.

Howe writes with optimism about the war after Union victories in July. He also discusses life in the army, recent movements of his unit and people back home.