The letters from Martin Barkley and George R. Barkley to their family members at the beginning of the war describe the hard living conditions, the health and wellbeing of the soldiers. Towards the end of the war the letters describe the demoralized attitudes of the soldiers, the regular occurrence of soldiers deserting their duties, and the significant loss of life. The letter from Edward King to his aunt, Elizabeth Barkley describes the hardships towards the end of the war.