Summary of Content: Blanchard writes to Mary Wright from a hospital in Mound City, Illinois. Reports he has been sick with fever for six weeks. Says the hospital is three stories high and capable of treating 6000 patients. Comments that war ”...tries men’s souls.” States his regiment marched from Cape Girardeau to Frederick, Missouri where a ”colored” woman told them the rebels were 6000 strong and waiting to ambush them just outside the town. Describes the battle in detail. Reports on the battle at Columbus, Kentucky which he considers to be ”...one of the greatest battles of the present war...” Explains the difference between confiscated and contraband according to the rules of war. Proclaims his love for her in French followed by an English translation. Letter is faded and has small holes on the creases.