This collection contains two letters written by James L. Wilson. The first was written to his cousin Mollie on September 5, 1861, from Manassas, Virginia. In this letter he describes the conditions of life in the army camp and his relationships to other soldiers as their Captain. Attached to this letter is a piece of wood Wilson claims was from the gallows of the abolitionist John Brown, who was publicly hanged in Virginia on December 2, 1859. The second letter was written to James’ cousin Ellen on November 19, 1863, from the Orange Court House in Virginia. This letter contains a description of the Confederate General Hampton’s attack on a Union camp and the capture of prisoners, and provisions during the Battle of Mine Run on November 18, 1863. He notes that as a Confederate soldier he draws good rations and clothing from the army.