Harrison Traphagen writes to his brother from Camp Benton, detailing that he is well and that they have been experiencing severe weather. Traphagen acknowledges the rumor about their Regiment being disbanded, writing that there has been a report of potential disbandment ever since they arrived, but does not credit it, even though he believes there are more Cavalry now than the service could possibly use. Traphagen continues by requesting that his brother notify him if there will be work available the next summer with pay around 12 or 13 dollars, and if not, he will reenlist and follow Jim Lane to Kansas if the Regiment is truly disbanded. Traphagen writes that it will be at least six months before they are prepared for the field, and that they still have no wagon or mule. He concludes by telling his brother that boys seeking to enlist might be better off staying at home, and requests that his brother let him know if their father has the money he owes, and for updates on the Fentonville murder affair.
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