This collections consists primarily of his letters home to his parents. Atkins spent much of 1862 and 1863 in army hospitals behind the lines. His letters during this period complain of ill health and ask his parents to help him get a discharge. By 1864 Atkins' letters show him in much better health and becoming reconciled to the army. He was able to join his regiment on active service in the Western campaigns, including the siege of Atlanta. His later letters describe camp and hospital life and ask constantly for news from home.

These letters have been transcribed, scanned and put online at

http://civilwar.archives.msu.edu/collection/7-1C-12/atkins/.