Cressler describes the enthusiasm in Chambersburg surrounding the presence of three Pennsylvania regiments.
Cressler reports on Governor Curtin's visit to Chambersburg and says he is preparing for the Confederate troops rumored to be headed toward the city. He also predicts victory for the Union forces.
Cressler describes the sight of Pennsylvania regiments parading through Chambersburg. He also suggests that the Union will be triumphant even if other nations join the southern side.
Cressler reflects on the environment, architecture, and conveniences of the city of Chambersburg.
Cressler comments on reports of victories by General McClellan's army and predicts a fight involving General Patterson's men for later in the week.
Cressler urges Bitner to take care of his health. He also comments on the "inhumanity" of the southern people and declares that the North must fight on regardless of any military setbacks.
Shoemaker writes from Ohio to tell Bitner about his decision to join the 11th Ohio and about his desire to fight the South.
Shoemaker writes from Virginia about the difficulties of camp life and about the tough drilling exercises in which he has participated.
Shoemaker asks for news from home and says he is getting "habituated" to life as a soldier.
Kindig writes about the 107th Pa. regiment's marching and fighting around Manassas, Virginia.
Kindig describes in detail the battle in which his regiment participated near Culpeper, Virginia.
Martin tells Bitner about his regiment's treatment by civilians during their march from Baltimore to Washington, D.C.
Shoemaker describes the Battle of South Mountain and tells about his capture by southern troops. He also provides a description of his captivity in Richmond, Virginia.
In this short note, Shoemaker asks Bitner to write him more often.
Donely describes his regiment's encampment near Fredericksburg, Virginia, and tells about the sick and wounded around him.
Donely shares his observations about the terrain and the people he sees in Virginia. He also talks about his everyday life in camp.
Donely tells Bitner about the movement of Pennsylvania troops toward the Rappahannock River and predicts there will be a battle within 48 hours.
Donely's letter opens with several stanzas of a rhyme entitled, "What?" He then talks about the promotions given out recently in his regiment.
Shoemaker writes from Tennessee and mentions his desire to remain in the Army until he can be discharged honorably.
Shoemaker congratulates Bitner on his marriage. He also writes that his regiment is expecting an attack from General Bragg's troops any day.
Daihl writes from Tennessee that there is no battle expected there soon. He also shares his thoughts about Northern Copperheads.
Shoemaker writes about the sickness that is affecting soldiers in his regiment and describes his own battle with "acclimating fever."
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