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Reply to Anderson's previous letter. Glad that he recovered from previous injury. Cryptically comments on Anderson's romantic pursuits and remarks on a note Anderson gave her to deliver. She gave the letter to Mr. Masi when he was last in town, though she had other ways of sending it including via an elderly German woman and under a "flag of truce." She has no news of her wounded cousin ["Joseph T. Bohannan of the 3rd Company of Richmond Howitzers"] and asks Anderson if he would submit a "personal" to some Northern papers for a reply. Shares news of friend, Eva Ruffin. Congratulates Anderson on his recent promotion. Mr. Masi visited twice. Sends greetings from her mother and Aunt Lucy, as well as to May Russell. Envelope addressed to "Dr. Walter Somerville, 5th Division Chimborazo Hospital, Richmond, Va."

Apologizes for writing her without permission, but he is not able to visit Richmond often and does not wish for his friends to forget him. Observes that all of his "friendships hear date with this war. May they outlast it ages to come." Concerned about young man in "McG's Brigade," scolds her for not providing a name as he is sure he "begged" for one. Envelope addressed to Miss Mag. Somerville, Hampden Sidney College, Prince Edward County, Virginia.

Received last letter but delayed response due to lack of news. Heard of action by Hill's corps in recent battles. Provides her thoughts on recent progress of the war. Hopes "the convention at Chicago" [Democratic National Convention of 1864] will be the beginning of peace negotiations favorable to the South. She is particularly interested in the proposed prisoner trades as she is still hoping to hear word from her cousin, who is now in the Fort Delaware hospital. Mr. Masi visited for the first time in a while and wrote Anderson "the much desired initials." Masi was gone to Bristol, Virginia, for some time which seemed to improve his health, and they had many lively conversations during his visit. She attempted to be taciturn in the past but was not as good at it as Anderson. Responds to Anderson's query if his letter was too presumptuous that that is just the style she "admires." Asks to please excuse "Confederate paper" which circumstances necessitate. Envelope addressed to (crossed out) Capt. E. Willoughby Anderson, Ordnance Office of Wilcox's Division, Gen. A. P. Hill's Corps, Petersburg, Va. Envelope also addressed [later] to Mr. C. F. Penley, North Billet, Maine.

Letter is a long delayed reply to Anderson's last. Enjoyed report of battle at Reams Station. While Anderson did acknowledge the efforts of General Wilcox and his troops, he neglected to mention the ordnance officers of the same division. Therefore, she must speak on their behalf to argue their efforts were equal to anyone else's. References Anderson's romantic problems. Notes difficulties in corresponding with captured cousin. Frank Masi visited again, everything is well at his home, and received a letter from "Bertha" in Baltimore. Inquires who this secret Bertha is. Envelope addressed to Mr. James W. Somerville, Greensboro, Guilford County, North Carolina (Care of Capt. P. P. Barbour).

Little time to write as command is busy. Expects orders to move any night. Fought "Yankees" yesterday and day before "in front of the South Side R.R." Captured about 1250 prisoners, along with arms and stores. Yesterday forced enemy's retreat from "breast works with single battery of artillery." A number of the prisoners told Confederates they need not have fired as they were already trying to surrender. Envelope addressed to Mrs. Edward Gray, Hampden Sidney College, Prince Edward County, Virginia.