1861 Sep[tember] 12 Front Royal [Virginia]

My Dear Richard

Within the lats few days, I have
written you two or three very hasty notes:
each time promising myself that I would
the next time, try to find leisure for
writing more deliberately, and giving
you some little account of what has
been going on at home since you left--
But the leisure hour will not come.
Let me scribble you another hasty line.
Your Ma has been quite busy with
your uniform, and has it done--Mr Coff
says your boots shall be done against
next Tuesday--doubtful--but I am
urging him very warmly.
You have heard no doubt of the
building of a hospital here? The
workmen are erecting barracks within
fifty yards of Cous T Ashby's door--
We hear quite frequently from
Walter--but not by letter of course

[page 2]
William Boulding Mr Peyton &c are here
now--They report the health of the com-
pany & regiment good.
There is a rumor of the capture of
some of our militia at H Ferry--don't
suppose it is true--
If you have not commenced your
military duties I hope you will
not do so 'til your system is suffi-
ciently hardened to bear the fatigue
of severe service--you will save time
by talking this advice.
I tried very hard to make
an arrangement to send you another box-
but all who come, assure me it is
useless to attempt it. Let me know
if you hear of an opportunity of get-
ting one through--
Our own sick are improving rapidly, and
I hope will soon be able to go home
Your Aunt L & Cousin Bet are spending the
week with us--You should be here

[page 3]
now to see the fine fruit. It is going
very rapidly; and I fear you will
not be able to enjoy it again du-
ring the season.
Your Coat has been brought from
Mrs E Kautz; and I am sorry to say it is
entirely too small for you--I will try
whether some arrangement can not be
made by which you can get another
in its stead. If not, I will send it
down to you. It is a pity this does not
fit, as it is well trimmed and made.
Frank buck has been ill with ty-
phoid fever; but has nearly recovered--
"Sam" Buck was brought home yester
day evening very sick--The other friends
& relatives well.
Remember me most cordially to
the various members of the Company whom
you know I especially like--Not forgetting
Cous Willie Harlie Mack Scott Amos &c &c
&c Perhaps I will drop a line to Amos
Keep your your[sic] heartpure your head cool
your body clean your tongue still, except when you
know you are about to speak trurhfull & properly Remember
your dependence on God--All send love yours affectionately M B B[uck]

Addressed to Mr Rich B Buck
Fairfax Ct House
Virginia

Capt Simpson's Co
Warren Rifles

MSS 6670

Richard Bayly Buck, 1844-1888, of the Warren Rifles, Co. B. of the 17th Virginia Infantry.