This letter provides insight to the Confederate invasion of Pennsylvania shortly before the battle of Gettysburg.  Note the reference to provisions and supplies needed and available to the Army of Northern Virginia.  The Confederates were under orders from General Lee to pay for what they obtained and not to loot.  The problem was their currency was not recognized!

   I have just returned from our regular Sermon by Mr. Lacy to our quarters in the U.S. Barracks, at Carlisle, having heard a good sermon & been well rested by the good long sleep of last night, undisturbed by an order to march at dawn -- We reached here yesterday and took quiet possession of the place, quartering a portion of our forces at the U.S. Barracks, a lovely place, and a portion in the ample yard of Dickinson College -- The people here are not half as sullen as they are farther down the Valley, the German element not being as strong & the humanizing influences of schools &c have made a better population -- but we found them in quite a state of alarm, expecting us to burn pillage & destroy as they have done, but when the saw the conduct of our army they seemed surprised, We made requisition on the town forsupplies, medicines &c and obtained some $50000 of medicines & large supplies of provisions &c -- We are subsisting entirely on the country we are in and are constantly sending valuable stores to the rear -- The people here had time to send many things away and we do not find many things left to purchase -- I have not been able to find any shoes but will probably find some before long. I sent to Winchester a large bundle for you of Calico &c -- I do not know how many yards, but a good many -- I want you to save enough of some piece for William to have a dress for May and one for his child until I write , any how -- I intend to buy more for him if another opportunity offers, as he has the money & you can then use all I sent you as you see fit -- you may be able to trade some of it for other things you need, price being made equal to price -- You may make me two shirts from such as you prefer -- and I will buy myself some more if I can find them. I hope you will find the goods such as please you -- I had to select them in a hurry & had but little time to make choice -- if there are any other little things you may want let me know of it & I will try and get them for you in the course of our marches. Our success has been complete, no opposition, the enemy moving off as we advance -- & having only militia to oppose to us -- they are preparing to oppose us two miles to this side of Harrisburg -- but I do not know where we are going now -- but am quite sure the enemy is much alarmed -- The Gen. sent word to the clergy to have their services as usual, as no one would disturb them -- so some of the churches were open today, and the preachers, though nervous, prayed for their country in peril and their friends in danger -- they also prayed for the strangers that were among them, some of them prayed for peace -- We have had a very pleasant time so far, an abundance to eat, and in variety, our men getvegetables from the people -- onions especially, and they are very good for them.

    I am extremely anxiously to come home but the calls of country and duty forbid, but I hope we may soon end this, and rest at home in peace again --

    One of the preachers here prayed that God would bless those he was in the habit of praying for -- we told some of them we hoped they would meet & pray for Lincoln as he needed praying for -- The Lutheran preacher was very sensible -- the Pres. preacher prayed for the dear ones we had left at home -- I hope our success may continue as it has begun & the movement has been a very fine one, admirably conducted -- and eminently successful -- The weather here is very pleasant -- but we had quite a hard rain day before yesterday. We occupied a house night before last which the family had run away and left-we fared very well there and found many good things there -- our army likes this country very well -- and O what a relief it will be to our country to be rid of our army for some time, I hope we may keep away for some time and so relieve the calls for supplies that have been so long made so long upon our people. Good bye & may God bless & keep you all safely and may you be kept in health and abundance -- Write to me often and some of them will surely reach me. I will write to you as often as I can -- Kiss the children for me --