"I dread to speak," says Barrier, "of the present condition of our country. It does seem to me that our people are mad with despondency and are determined to rush headlong to their own destruction. I am proud, dear Father, to be able to say that I have never desponded yet as to the final issues. I am determined by the help of God to fight to the last." He continues in this patriotic vein, exhorting the brave soldiers who fight for a noble cause while denouncing those who would sue for peace or surrender the fight. Barrier is happy to hear that his brother-in-law has returned home safely. He expresses his longing for biscuits, which he hasn't tasted in two months, and asks that he be sent some flour. He says he would like to get home in the spring, but doesn't think it likely.