This collection consists of letters written by Charles H. Spaulding while in the Civil War. The majority of the letters are from Charles to his wife Ella. A few of the letters are from Charles to his parents and a few are ones he received from his parents. In the letters, Spaulding describes his journey to Fort Massachusetts on Ship Island, Mississippi. The majority of the journey was by ship. He describes life on Ship Island, camp activity, and local battle news. His other letters describe his transfers to Vicksburg, Camp Williams, Pensacola, Florida, and Fort Pickens on Santa Rosa Island, Florida. His letters give few details about fighting and mostly focus on his health, food, and his desire to return home and then settle in the West.