Potter writes to his wife about his attempts to get a position in the camp hospital.
Potter writes of snow in camp and how much he looks forward to receiving his wife's letters. His letter enjoins his wife to continue instructing their children "in the ways of holiness" in his absence.
Potter's letter expresses a faith in God, whatever his own fate may be, and expresses his desire to see his children, including his youngest son.
Potter describes his camp near Washington, D.C. and tells his wife about his trip through the city with a doctor, where he saw the White House and the Georgetown College Hospital. His letter includes a postscript addressed to his sister Mary with individual messages to each of his children.
Potter describes the hospital in which he works and tells about distributing medicine to patients.
Potter describes the work of the hospital staff and expresses a longing to attend church regularly again.
Potter describes the relatively comfortable conditions in his new camp and the unusually pleasant weather. He also mentions that the Confederate forces across the Potomac River appear to be preparing for a fight. His letter includes a postscript to a person named Janey.
Potter writes to his wife about the new camp where his regiment has settled. He also mentions news from his sister Mary about the loss of several family members in one battle.
Potter tells his wife of the quiet in his camp. A considerable portion of his letter is filled with messages to his children about how much he misses them.
Potter tells about seeing other soldiers from Chambersburg. He also describes a visit to the Fredericksburg battlefield, where he observed that Confederate soldiers had stolen coats from dead Union soldiers.
Potter explains how he lost his horse during a skirmish with Confederate soldiers.
Potter explains his lapse in writing as the result of a stomach and liver illness he contracted after the battle at Gettysburg.
Potter describes his recuperation in a military hospital in Baltimore and tells about his unsuccessful attempt to receive a sick furlough.
Potter announces that he has recovered from his illness and explains in detail how he and his fellow soldiers cook food in camp.
Potter describes the bleak conditions at his brigade's new camp at Bealton Station, Virginia. He also talks of dedicating himself to God and of wanting to return home on a furlough.
Potter tells his wife about the improved living conditions in camp and reports on the health of several soldiers.
Potter writes about the scare he had when he thought he had lost Cynthia's picture. He also mentions his regiment's recent raid in the Shenandoah Valley.
Potter explains why he has not written more often and tells about moving into new quarters near Warrenton, Virginia.
Potter writes to his wife about how much he misses his family and reiterates his faith in God.
Potter reports on recent skirmishes and suggests that the rebels are getting "tired." He also notes that he is expecting five months of back pay.
Potter asks about the family and discusses the possibility of receiving a furlough.
Potter writes a general letter of inquiry to his son.
Potter sends his wife a copy of his regimental history for her safekeeping and discusses his prospects for a furlough.
Potter asks about the health and well-being of his family at home and apologizes that his letters have not been received regularly.
Potter writes without much news except to reassure his wife that life in camp is fine.
Potter reports on his brigade's movement away from Warrenton, Virginia, and asks about the family.
Potter's short letter describes his cavalry's movement to within two miles of Richmond.
Potter reports that his cavalry is within seven miles of Richmond and mentions that his health is good.
Potter describes in detail the "severe" fighting near Gordonsville, Virginia.
J. R. Loyd of the 16th Pa. Cav. informs Cynthia Potter of her husband's death.
Potter tells his wife, Cynthia, about his daydreams of being together again and suggests that they need to teach their children about the love of God. He also explains that sickness kept him from being appointed assistant surgeon.
Potter writes to his wife of how much he loves her and longs to be reunited with his family.
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