John tells his parents that the doctor believes that a piece of shell injured his finger.

The post arrives regularly now Vicksburg has fallen.

O. Owens from the G Company has been released and Hugh T. Williams has been given the furlough for 60 days. John tells his family that they're distributing the furloughs to the married men first. He doesn't know when he will be able to come home but he intends to apply next time, in about 7 weeks.

John says that they've been camping on the riverside and that he hasn't reported fit for duty although he is fit.

He also tells his parents that he has learnt English, and now prefers to speak English rather than Welsh, as it's easier because they're amongst English speakers.