Scope and Contents Civil War letter, addressed to his father, is dated August 26, 1862 and was written from Alexandria, Virginia, where the Regiment was encamped. Drake presents his views on slavery, discusses the beauty of the city, mentions inaccuracy of northern war news ("Don't you believe all your Northern papers say, the Union is in great danger of a complete defeat.") and discusses Union officers' view of Stonewall Jackson ("Most of our officers have a great fear of Jackson.")