Pooler writes discussing family news, and accounts of his domestic life, before turning to the ongoing Civil War, revealing his abolitionist views, and to the discovery of Petroleum in his area:

“… The War drags slowly along: still it seems as tho’ the rebellion is nearly crushed. God grant that the end may be near, and peace again smile upon us. It has been a terrible war. But nothing less could have given “liberty to the captives”. We must remember it is God that is working out the mighty problem. When He arrives at the grand Result -  then we shall have “peace & righteousness.” Not before. Another draft has been ordered. Our quota was filled by volunteers last Fall. It took a good deal of money to do it. Our present quota is quite heavy Our township is making strong efforts to raise money enough to fill it. I hope we shall succeed in doing so. The Government needs the men, now.  …

    There is an intense “Petroleum excitement” through out this entire region. Large sales of land are being made & farms are leased to Eastern companies for oil-boring purposes. Traces of oil are found here. Rock is found saturated with petroleum. Oil-springs are found, oozing out of cracks in the rocks. But there is more lost than made in the business. I keep clear of it. The old way – “slow and sure” – is the best …”