Harrison Traphagen writes to his parents from Camp Benton, detailing that he is doing well except for a bad cough. He notes that they are having beautiful weather and that the boys are using the parade ground on the premises of the late Thomas H. Benton in order to significantly improve their drills. Traphagen writes that while completing their drills, a squad of eight went to the part of the parade ground outside of the guard, and after a while wandered the country and gathered some hickory nuts, noting the many different trees they came across. Traphagen details that they have had limited rations, and that he especially misses butter, continuing by noting that the only water they have to drink is river water and that it is very muddy. Traphagen details that the boys received a letter stating Jonathan was dead, and that Edwin is sad as he is now alone after being coaxed into service. Traphagen notes that he is surprised to hear that Abe Green's wife returned, and hopes his parents will tell him more about it. He concludes by writing that several prisoners were brought into camp the other day.
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