David Eaegle writes to his brothers William and Abraham to let them know that he recently recovered from a case of cholera. He notes that his health has not been well since he was captured by Confederate forces (note: David was captured at the Battle of Stones River [Dec. 31, 1862-January 3, 1863]. He was sent to Libby Prison in Richmond, Virginia, and was paroled out relatively soon). David writes that their camp has dirty water and they send out foraging parties that walk as far as 18 miles to obtain enough food. He goes on to mention that he had a first sargeant's uniform made for him in Richmond, Indiana. He says he was able to afford it because he does not drink or gamble, and he hopes that his brothers do not indulge in those activities. David then vaguely refers to an incident in which soldiers in the 3rd Michigan Cavalry were punished harshly for "what little pleasure they took with the wimen." Finally, David notes that the officers have hired "a man of African decent" to cook and wash for them for $10 a month. David describes the man as "a shade lighter than my hat... a good cook and a trusty fellow."
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