John asks his parents to excuse him for writing on the Sabbath. They've been given orders to be ready to go on board the boats in the afternoon as they're heading towards Mexico.

John has been to see Orleans city and says that it's a fairly nice place and the landing seems extraordinarily pretty. He says that they have warships in the harbor with forty guns on board.

John thanks his parents for their letter which gives information on who has been drafted. He's not yet sure if he will enlist again after his three years comes to an end.