Carson describes camp life and the rigors of "soldiering" as he gets used to both.
Carson complains about the weather but says that he is happy that the roads are closed, meaning that the army won't be moving. This means that more of the men get furloughs, though he does not expect to return home until the war's end. He includes some gossip.
Samuel Carson describes his inability to return to the army after his furlough because the Yankees are in his way. He then recounts what he has heard about the Battle of Gettysburg, which took place just a few days before.
The letter notes that Carson has written quite frequently to Annie, in contrast to her recent protests. The letter also describes a recent clash with Union cavalry at Culpepper and goes on to describe camp life near Montpelier, the old home of James Madison.
This is a request from Carson to his commander explaining that a private who was a paid substitute for another man has now passed his contractual time and so the other man must be conscripted so that the substitute can be released from service.
Frank (Samuel Franklin Carson) writes to Annie Harris describing a recent day of rest and religious activities in the camps.
Carson discusses the execution of 10 deserters, then describes a recent ball.
Samuel Franklin Carson to Unknown (probably Annie Harris), September 30, 1863
Carson writes his brother, discussing increasing desertion rates and the generally improving health of his fellow soldiers. In the postscript, he asks that his brother send him a pair of boots and some rations, explaining that food is running low, it now costs cash, and officers haven't been payed in some time. He also mentions a trip to Richmond.
Samuel Carson's cousin Jennie writes him, asking him to visit and describing life at home.
Carson tells Annie about his trip from home back to the Army after a furlough. He mentions that at the moment many of the men have furloughs to get married and that he should be able to return home soon.
Carson writes to a friend, Virginia Miller, who seems to have lived in Augusta and now lives in York, Pennsylvania. He describes prison life and mentions that her old town has changed more than she could imagine.
Carson describes his current position and vaguely sketches his recent travels to his cousin Annie.
Carson writes to Ms. Miller asking that she send food or clothing, though they are not close, now that he has been told that authorities will allow it through.
Frank (Samuel Franklin Carson) writes to his lady friend Annie in response to her recent letter accusing him of having forgotten her because he so rarely writes. He remarks that paper is scarce but camp conditions are good, including the men's health. He laments that he has heard that his family's health at home is much worse.
Franklin (Samuel Franklin Carson) writes to someone, almost certainly Annie Harris, describing life in camp. He explains that his unit recently retreated across a river to Shepards Town and describes Yankee attempts to cross the river.
A short romantic letter to Annie, almost certainly from Samuel Franklin Carson.
Two undated poems by Carson, both religious in theme and the second addressed to an unnamed "_______"
Carson writes about his love of music.
A list of the men on detached service in Company D 5th Virginia Infantry.
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