James writes that he witnessed the execution of a deserting soldier from the Michigan 10th Infantry. He describes the incident in detail, noting that soldiers were assembled in a large square to watch. The soldier was brought to the center by an ambulance and was forced to sit on his coffin. He was blindfolded and subsequently killed by a firing squad. James goes on to tell Emma not to get downhearted about her sickness. He then expresses concerns about E.J. (Emma Jane, James' biological sister) marrying a man whom he did not approve.
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