He dispenses fatherly advice as to whether Wellington might better serve the Union by accepting a position in the Adjutant's, or Quartermaster's, office. 1 s. (2 p.)  With transcription.

Discusses the state of the town after Christmas and informs him of the condition of the local troops and their movements. Anticipates that the President “will issue on Thursday of this week his proclamation of emancipation for the slaves of all rebels.” Gives a detailed description of Edgar [Newcomb’s] death and funeral. Postscript about Charles H. Nichols. 1 s. (4 p.) With transcription.

Expresses warm wishes that Wellington may have a prosperous new year, and responds to various news acquired via letters that Wellington's parents shared with him. Discussion of Wellington's Regiment's movements and discussion of the city's reaction to the Emancipation Proclamation. 1 s. (4 p.) With transcription.

Brief news of his safe travels to Ship Island in order to deliver Confederate prisoners. Details of a few days leave taken to New Orleans with his father, who surprised him with a visit. 1 s. (4 p.) With photograph. With transcription.

Lengthy news of Major General Benjamin Butler's visit to Lowell, Massachusetts and reaction to his speech there, including brief discussion of slavery. He provides news of Charles Nichol's family, among other acquaintances, and offers contacts Wellington might call upon while in New Orleans. Includes a tally of the vote that reelected Charles Sumner to the Senate. 4 s. (10 p.) With transcription.

Lengthy descriptions of his travels down the Mississippi River toward New Orleans.  Lengthy discussion of Union command, and his response to various war movements and goings on.  News of his visit to the hospital in order to receive treatment for the measles. 7 s. (24 p.)  With transcription.

News of the trial of General Fitz John Porter. More discussion of Union command--especially Generals McClellan and McDowell-and their strategic choices. 1 s. (3 p.)  With transcription.

More news of and reaction to the verdict of General Fitz John Porter. 2 s. (6 p.)  With transcription.

Reaction to Wellington's illness and convalescence. Comments on William Howard Russell's published diary, North & South. News of and reaction to a visit to Boston from General McClellan. Expressed hope for success in Southern battles about to commence. 3 s. (10 p.)  With transcription.

Much overlap of news from the previous letter, which he believed had been lost at sea.  More extensive detail provided with respect to McClellan's visit to Boston.  Expressed discontent with the "traitors" in various free states withholding aid and support from the government. 3 s. (12 p.)  With transcription.

Lengthy discussion of the Peace Democrats--or "Copperheads"--why they had lately been vehemently rebuked, why they are doing a disservice to the Union and its soldiers, etc.  Bullet point discussions of: General Hunter's order for the arrest of General Stevenson, as well as the command of Generals Hooker, McClellan, and Scott. 3 s. (12 p.)  With transcription.

Description of a pamphlet sent to Wellington, entitled, "How a free people conduct a long War," intended as a morale boost.  Discussion of Congress' adjournment, and various resolutions made with respect to foreign involvement in the U.S. war.  Expressed pleasure that Wellington's Regiment now has a Chaplain, and continued discussion of Wellington's moral path. 2 s. (8 p.)  With transcription.

He shares a second-hand report of prisoner transport along the levee in New Orleans, with particular attention in describing the vehemence of Southern women in the crowd.  Brief news of a Republican victory in the New Hampshire election. 2 s. (8 p.)  With transcription.

Much news of the price of various goods, especially gold, and expressed pleasure in the Government's dealing with finance in war time.  As a counterpart to that, he discusses an aquaintance, David Snow, whose poor financial dealings had landed him in trouble.  Discussion of various rumors of future Union campaigns to be launched in the South, and brief news of General Sumner's death. 3 s. (10 p.)  With transcription.

A list of contents collected and set to Wellington from the flour shop, and lengthy details as to why certain items were chosen for a gift. Lengthy quotations of, and brief interpretation of, Biblical passages from Paul's letter to Timothy. More news of rumored war movements, including brief mention of continued attempts to take Charleston. 3 s. (12 p.) With transcription.

A quick and clipped recapitulation of a few days' battle in the Louisiana bayou. 1 s. (4 p.)  With transcription.

His praise of the Union's continued success in cutting off supply lines in the Mississippi region. Brief news of promotions of Massachusetts officers, specifically, Colonel Robert Cowdin and Colonel Edward Wild.  Bullet point news various sea vessels (e.g., merchant vessels, pirate ships, and their attempts to strike, etc.). 2 s. (8 p.)  With transcription.

Brief news of the Bostonian reaction to Major General Joseph Hooker's defeat at the Battle of Chancellorsville.  Lengthy description of and commentary on Major General George Stoneman's cavalry raid along the James River Canal.  Includes an extensive post-script description of the impending trial of "traitor" Clement Vallandigham. 3 s. (12 p.)  With transcription.

Bullet point war news, including: more expressed disappointment in General Hooker and his lack of success; news and motions of various steamers and sea transport vessels; some news and brief discussion of African-American soldiers in Massachusetts Regiments. 2 s. (8 p.) With transcription.