Father- We languish in camp this week. Some men are on leave, others devote themselves to spirited marksmanship contests against unfortunate tree stumps. A few compose songs about our commanding general, whose virtues multiply considerably after a generous ration of whiskey. -Joe

Father- We vanquished the pod of Dolphins; my sidearm was in good working order. It was never as close as the final tally suggests. We seem to take a perverse pleasure in allowing the foe to feel he has a fighting chance. Now we have a week’s respite to replenish our stores. -Joe

Father- These are grievous times in camp. Every fellow who has never commanded so much as a mule now presumes to instruct us in the art of war. We must close ranks. A hard fight is not a lost fight, and gloomy blatherskites have yet to win a battle. Have faith in your son. -Joe

Father- Another defeat; the cries for the relief of our commanding general grow. I must confess, his orders lack spirit and we often appear as men waiting patiently to be beaten. However, my sidearm suffered 2 misfires, and a soldier must answer for his own powder and shot. -Joe

Father- I pondered how a pack of Jaguars might contrive to bring Tigers to heel. Alas, this absurdity awaits us. They are led by a scraggly-haired man, Lawrence, whom I have thrashed time and again. The poor fellow must by now be growing accustomed to his misfortunes. -Joe

Father- We were defeated in what I reckon will not be remembered as our finest three hours. We committed no small number of blunders and received a proper drubbing in a manner we had not anticipated. We shall endeavor to keep our dignity, if possible. A long week is ahead. -Joe

Father- I confess I cannot fathom what manner of creature a “Steeler” is. By their swagger, I take them for a band of blatherskites, mighty in boast but poor in courage. I expect to send the whole lot home humbled, whilst bringing victory to our beloved city. Love to Mother. -Joe

Father- We march next to the confluence of three rivers, where we shall meet the Tin Men in battle. They are led by a cantankerous old veteran on his last legs; his sidearm is no longer in the best of working order. We shall return victorious. Give Mother my fondest love. -Joe

Father- We have delivered the victory at Houston! Allow me a moment for reflection, and give heed to my words: our defense is both cunning and dangerous. It warms my heart beyond measure to tell you how dearly I love them. -Joe

Father- I rec’d your letter regarding my name on a casualty list with a lame back. Please tell Mother I am fine. The Texans deceive themselves to think otherwise. I shall take to the field a day hence and am quite serious when I say any suggestion otherwise is pure rubbish. -Joe

Father- You might find it interesting to learn a peculiar band of Texans awaits us on the morrow. They were unable to stop a herd of buffalo but seem perchance to try and have their way with tigers. We shall see to it that is not the case. Pray good fortune. -Joe

Father- Now i have a defense. -Joe

Father- I write with the great news of victory! A band of pirates led by a pastry chef assaulted Fort Paycor on this day. We sent them away quite discouraged. Upon the whole the day was most fortunate. I feel more alive than I can recall in recent years. Love to Mother. -Joe

Father- Another fall campaign looms. Anticipation, high. Morale, excellent. Let us do what we must at this place. It’s go time. -Joe

Father— This is it. Joe

Father- Yessir. Joe

Father- This missive comes from the Nevada Territory where I’ve been dawdling. I learnt whilst our Commanding General was retained, some highly decorated ones were relieved of command. It should be understood our headquarters persists in considerations most find bewildering. -Joe

Father- The president announced the retention of our commanding general and recruiting officer. I shall delay my return to meet with them and convey my pondering on how this enterprise can improve markedly. I endeavor without hesitation to have no further failings. -Joe

Father- We suffered defeat to Shedeur, with whom I was unacquainted. Now we must convey urgency in refitting this regiment for future campaigns to win glory and no longer appear lost and miscast. I extend my best wishes; please tell Mother I’m coming home. ‘Tis a damn shame. -Joe

Father- Critics and naysayers are asking why I’m on the battlefield during a lost campaign after suffering another terrible wound. As I told the papers, I just wanted to come back and go to war with the men. I hope Mother understands. -Joe