Written, most likely, to his brother-in-law, Frederick Dent. Replying to Dent's letter. Describes his feelings after capturing Vicksburg. States that he "wanted a little vacation" and that Julia, his wife, has to go to St. Louis. Comments that "[t]he health of my command is remarkably good considering all they have gone through" and responds to Dent's request for a position in the Army saying that "My staff is entirely filled up so there would be now place except as addition Aid and I do not suppose you would like such a position." Postscript states that he will apply for Dent to be assigned to him and "then you can exercise your judgement about what is best to be done." Continues writing for another line before the rest is erased by water damage. Written on lined paper. Slight embossed design on the upper right corner on the first page that carried over on the following pages. Some water damage with bluish ink stains.