2½ pp., on 4-page lettersheet. 20.5x12.6 cm. (8x5"), with original envelope bearing printed return address of Co. B, 8th N.Y. Art'y Vols., Fort Federal Hill, Baltimore, MD.
Sergeant Burns reports to a Captain Baker in Niagara County, New York, "Dear Sir. Not being otherwise Engaged this morning, I thought I would comply with your request, and drop a few lines to you, to inform you of our welfare, and prospering in general. As usual we are well, living well, and have but little to do.... Probably in each letter you will be informed of the recruits we have got since you left us. It will be useless for me to speak farther of them. Our drill is as spicy as ever, it being the regular routine of infantry, and artillery. There was a number of boys arrested down in the city a few days ago for not saluting an Officer; a (Lieut Colonel) I think. They were reported to the officer in command, here at the Fort. At night there was an order issued, recommending to all soldiers, to salute their superior officers. As it is time for morning parade, I must draw this Epistle to a close Hoping soon to hear from you, and wishing for perfect success while recruiting. I remain Sir Your Obt. Servt. Sergt. R. G. Burns."