Is delighted to hear that his wife's health is improving; his chances for a furlough are increasing with the new lottery system; gives details of their shrinking Bible classes and prayer meetings in camp; artillery work is being done around camp; the weather continues to cause problems, especially to their new housing; gives details of the camp's winter provisions; relays stories of his times on guard duty; the size of their company continues to grow; comments on the lack of gentleman remaining in the camp; makes other judgements of camp companies; there is little going on, in and around camp; the mood in camp seems to be low; his health is generally good; gives advice to his wife concerning the next season's crops as well as possible land sale; is attempting to acquire a little negro to care for his wife while she is recovering; their daughter Minnie has also apparently been ill; recommends his wife acquire the Southern Literacy; is unhappy to learn that some of his negroes have been drafted to work on fortifying Weldon; a land dispute has erupted at home which he believes his wife can handle; Southern women will have to accept more responsibility when the war is over; prospects for peace are brightening, possibly by late spring or summer; it is believed also that Lee's army is in better health and spirits than it has ever been; there is a good deal of movement occurring with the Confederate troops; gives details of numerous army and especially naval victories for the South; the union army is rumored to lose 300,000 men by May 1, due to the end of their terms; there is also unrest growing in the northwest and Kentucky, due in part to the raising of black troops; the enemy has also given up on the idea of taking Richmond by way of Fredricksburg. 8 items, ALsS; 2 items, ALs.