This collection consists of a letter written by Russell to his mother about a recent battle, likely one of the Seven Days Battles in Virginia. Russell mentions that he was wounded during the fighting and his company was particularly hard hit. He lists the names of four dead soldiers and those badly injured, observing that of the twenty-five men in his company only three escaped injury. He tells his mother that he was injured near the end of the battle when the fortifications were captured and the "yankees" were put to flight. He writes that the Federal forces received a bayonet charge from his unit, and writes that the enemy fought "manfully." Russell was thankful to be lightly wounded considering the "dreadful slaughter on both sides." In his post script, Russell adds that he has heard that 50,000 "yankees" have surrendered, and he thinks "McClellan" may be among them. Russell is probably referring to Union General George McClellan.