Writes to his wife that much of his division has left for North Carolina and the remaining troops are preparing to depart. He thinks that the move to North Carolina will be a good one as they have stayed in Virginia for too long. Reports that the army has great confidence in General Joseph Hooker. He writes that Hooker has "the agility of two [General George] McCllelans the sagacity of two [General Ambrose] Burnsides and the bravery of a [General Philip] Kearney." Explains that Hooker will have his men fight to the very death and those who do not fight will be removed from the army. Reports that there are too many officers and too few men. He sends her 40 dollars. States that if the regiment continues to become smaller he will return home and try for command in a new regiment. Tells his wife that Captain Benson has gone home and will call on her. He has heard that Captain Benson resigned; if this is true that will make him the fifth officer to do so in two months. He thinks that some of the men have been promoted out of their proper place.