This collection consists of three letters; two envelopes; one certificate declaring intent to become a United States citizen; and an abstract of a marriage record pertaining to William Burke. All materials except the envelopes have transcriptions. Two of the letters were written to Burke during the Civil War, one from Georgia by John Bailey and the other from Petersburg, Virginia, by John Welsh. The letters describe camp conditions; casualties; weather; lack of pay; and concerns about the home front. Of particular interest is a passage in Welsh's letter in which he expresses doubts that Union forces will take Petersburg. He comments that if they do not, "little Macke (referring to Democratic presidential candidate George B. McClellan) will get two thirds of the armey vots hear next election..." (sic)