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Posted from Washington, D.C. Writes to his brother, Burritt Brown, describing the horrors of war during his first battle as well as the altruistic nature of a family that fed him dinner one night. Envelope dated July 24, 1861, features a portrait of Benjamin Franklin with the caption "Franklin, a Northern Man with Union Principles."

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Posted from Washington, D.C. The letter to his father describes the role of drills and conduct in battle at Bull's Run. The letter to his mother describes his food situation in the army. He also writes about a man with typhoid fever and fears that he may fall ill himself. The letter to his sister describes his mosquito bites, book access and other daily occurrences.

Scope and Contents Posted from Washington, D.C. The letter to his sister describes new updates such as the return of the man who had typhoid fever, 24 hour guard duty and a lack of respect for the sabbath in his regiment. He also writes about the selection of food he has, granted he has money. In his letter to his brother, Lewis responds to prompts his brother had previously written. He also asks if his brother received seven dollars he sent in the mail and complains about new, dark blue pants that are "as...

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Posted from Washington, D.C. Writes that he will soon be moving out to Virginia. He emphasizes that he knows he may never see his entire family again, but also takes comfort in the thought that they will all meet in Heaven eventually.

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Posted from Alexandria, VA. Letter indicates his complete lack of money, that was luckily supplemented by a care package from his family. Brown closes thankful for his tent mates and tells his sister to write soon.

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Posted from Alexandria, VA. Letter describes the wide selection of food he has as well as his increasing weight (136 lbs). Brown writes that he is enjoying some free time every few days and asks for more letters from home.

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Posted from Alexandria, VA. Letter describes his longing to be home on the sabbath. Brown is displeased by his compatriots' lack of religious piety and states that he must express as much grace as possible in the wake of this. Brown urges his brother to get his sister to write more letters.

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Posted from Alexandria, VA. Explains that the regiment has picketed about 5 miles from enemy lines, though his position is protected by a nearby fort. He writes of his work on the fort, mainly trench-digging, and of abstaining when alcohol is given to the men.

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Posted from Alexandria, VA. In his letter to Willard, Lewis describes his regiment's position on a high hill west of Alexandria. The letter to Merritt is written while Lewis is listening to Maine's 4th regiment brass band. Lewis writes to Merritt Roe asking if he would like to come and play army with him. He tells Merritt to mind his mother.

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Posted from Alexandria, VA. Describes his duty as acting corporal during which he had to arrest some men for disregarding their duties.