John tells his parents that he has been up the river 'hunting rebels'.

He goes on to say that the rebels are now at Vicksburg and are to be hanged. They had chased after them for six days until they had driven them over Deer Creek. They then set the bridge on fire behind them and took thirty men as prisoners.

According to John, they did not lose a single man during the battle and he thanks God for watching over him.

He also thanks his parents for sending him Frank Leslie's Illustrated News and says that the picture that was taken was very realistic.