to their friend W.

Letter is signed by Herm and Cal [?]. Written at Lysander. They write that long ago they had written him a long letter and have since sent him papers but have received no reply from him. States that they have written him several times and have not received a reply. They are worried that the letter may have become lost. They are also worried about his status. Thinks that he may also be at home on furlough as some of the troops from Lysander currently are. Writes that one of the soldiers came home so he could get married. They think that he is preparing himself to become captain of a regiment. Their sympathies lie with the "poor down-trodened Africans." Write that they hope that he will see "justice done" for enslaved people. They ask his opinion of the "wily" Union General Nathaniel Banks. Write that since Union General Benjamin Butler left New Orleans, Louisiana the people there have been having things "their own way." Offer some opinions on the Union generals and how well or poorly they are perceived at home.