After the horses charge by, the men file in behind them. The men are all in uniform and carry rifles with bayonets. These men appear to be a part of a group in which no one is more important than the others. The camera does not focus on any one individual longer than another. .
Next, we see soldiers in file, marching through the field. They all are wearing navy blue uniforms and are armed with rifles. As the camera focuses on one individual we begin to hear the dictation of a letter written to a mother of one of the soldiers. The camera continues to focus on this individual showing that his is the voice we hear reading the letter. The letter to his mother asks that he not be worried about because their army is of such great force that an "attack would be insane-. His visions of grandeur are supported by the presence of army from all over the country. As they walk down an old dirt road they pass bands of African Americans. The writer, Shaw, states that many of the men of his regiment had never even seen "negroes- before. Shaw comments that these are the disposed. The Negroes they pass are ill dressed and carry baskets and bags that contain all of their possessions. Most are shoeless and their clothes are tattered. Shaw continues to write that they are fighting for these men and women "whose poetry has not been written. But which will be enviable and renowned as any-. .
As the soldiers pass these bands of Negroes, the scene cuts to nightfall at the campsite. It is dark and rainy. Shaw reports that there has been another defeat yet they are not disheartened. He continues to state that he is honored to be a part of such a splendid company in which he has been made captain. Next we see a woman reading the letter. Since the letter was addressed to his mother, it is safe to assume that this woman is Mrs. Shaw, Robert's mother. She appears to be of wealth. Her attire consists of a long sleeve elegant white shirt that is covered with a deep red, velvety vest-like garment.
