Twelve Civil War letters written by James Rowe, friend in the 97th Illinois Infantry Regiment and future brother-in-law of Carlos Colby, to Rowe's sister, brother and mother between October, 1862 and July 4, 1865. Mustered in as an infantryman, Rowe was officially appointed as hospital steward of the 97th Regiment in Jan., 1864. Although they contain some descriptions of his battle experiences and hospital duties, the letters also dwell on Rowe's homesickness and family concerns.