Barrier acknowledges receipt of news from home; he wishes, as they do, that he could be at home with them. He says, though, that there is one way he could "enjoy a few days" with his family: "An order was read this morning on paraid that every soldier who would furnish a recruit for the army should have a furlough of thirty days? Can you find anyone who would like to join the cavalry? If so send me his name immediately." He urges his family to conduct a thorough survey of the available men: "The time has come when it is necessary for every man to put his shoulder to the wheel." He says that he dreads the prospect of his third winter on the battlefield, especially when confronting "an Enemy whose deeds of horror are unparellelled in the history of any civil war." He writes that he hopes that there are "a few patriots at home who have been enjoying the comforts of home, who will send us their names so that we may get a furlough." He reports receiving a letter from Rufus a few days previous; Rufus says he and his company are in good health.