It was written on tissue paper, and wrapped up in tin-foil such as chewing tobacco is folded in.

This was a precaution taken so that if the scout should be captured he could take this tin-foil out of his pocket and putting it into his mouth, chew it.

It would cause no surprise at all to see a Confederate soldier chewing tobacco.

It was nearly night when this letter was received.

I gave Ord directions to continue his march to Burkesville and there intrench himself for the night, and in the morning to move west to cut off all the roads between there and Farmville.
I then started with a few of my staff and a very small escort of cavalry, going directly through the woods, to join Meade's army.