Requests that his sister tell their father to do what he thinks is best with the money that he sent home. Writes that he should be able to send more money after the fall of Vicksburg, Mississippi. Speaks of a friend being well and as fat as a pig. Mentions that he is also still fat but does not know how much he weighs. Comments that the plums are ripe right now and the peaches are almost ready. Writes that it is very warm there and that it barely rains now. Reports that they are digging rifle pits and making forts. Says that some of the rifle pits are close enough to the enemy where they can throw hard crackers at them. Describes the boys talking with each other from across the works. Writes that three or four rebels came across into the rifle pits and traded sugar for coffee with their men. Mentions that they have to be on duty every two or three days and that there is plenty to eat and that they are lazy as ever. The envelope is postmarked 3 January 1864 and may not belong with this letter.