1861 July 24 Centerville P[rince] W[illiam] C[ounty]

Dear Ma

The sun is just sinking behind the hills and I
will have only a few moments to write as the wagon leaves
for the Junction early tomorrow morning. the box you sent
me some days since full of nice clothes and provisions has
just been received and I tell you they were acceptable for
we have been having only two and sometimes only one meal a
day since we left the Junction and nothing but (pilot) bread
and coffee without sugar though it could not be avoided as
we had to stand with our guns ready all the time for the
approach of the enemy. We are in a very inconvenient place
at present. I wish we were back at the Junction. I will
return the box to the Junction by the first opportunity. I
suppose you have had a full account of both the terrible
battles which have taken place down here within the last
few days. I was in both battles although I was not in the
heat of the battle on Sunday. I have made some very narrow
escapes indeed. I have had the bullets, grape, canister
and shell to fall around me like hail and not the least
injured yet. I suppose Mr. Petty has told you all of what
a narrow escape our company made. It seems as if a kind
Providence has hovered around our little band and protected
it from the many dangers which have surrounded us and indeed
I feel as if I had been particularly blessed since I left
home. Yes, I fully appreciate the kindness of Him who has
the power to do all things.

If God ever spares me to return home I can interest
you all for sometime with thrilling scenes through which we
have passed. I wish I had time to give a full account of the
battles but I will not as it is so dark now it is almost im-
possible to see and we have no candles. I am sitting out on
the ground writing as we have no tent.

I was within a quarter of a mile of Walter today
and could not see him. I was very sorry for it. I suppose
he stopped at home on his way down. The day I left the
Junction I packed nearly all of my clothes with Charlie's
and Scotts and directed them to Mr. Roy. Please have them
attended to. Tell Pa he must come down to see me at
Centerville. I must close as I can not see to write another
word. Love to all, write soon.

Your affec. son,
R[ichard] B[ayly B[uck]

Richard Bayly Buck, 1844-1888, of Co. B, 17th Virginia, ended the war as a second lieutenant. He was severely wounded at Dinwiddie Court House, March 31st, 1865, only days before the war ended.

Pilot bread, first developed for use at sea, was more commonly called hardtack.

MSS 3046