This collection consists of a letter written by Joe Bowers in 1864 while serving as a solder in the Civil War. The letter is addressed to 'Esteemed Mademoiselle;' Bowers had placed an advertisement for a correspondent while he was away at war. He states in the letter that he was not looking for a wife, but for a person to write to in order to pass the time. He describes the unclean conditions of camp life (stating he contracted an itch from 'Body Guards'), declares he never had a substitute to fight for him, and tells of his service at the battle of Vicksburg and the wound he suffered at the battle of Baker's Creek. On the last page of the letter, Bowers accuses his correspondent of being a man posing as a woman. He demands proof of the recipient's gender, insisting that if the recipient is truly a man that he must reveal himself to be so, at which point they will cease correspondence.