1861 Sept[ember] 16 Fairfax C House [Virginia]

Dear Ma

Although I am so much fatigued
I can scarcely write I will not let the good opportunity
which affords itself this morning pass without writing
you a line. We returned in the night last night from on
picket about ten miles below here, almost to Alexandria
we remained five days and of course without the
least particle of shelter whatever. I suppose you remember
what an awful night last Wednesday night was.
We remained out all the whole night lying upon
the ground, and the rain coming down in torrents and
we without the least particle of shelter. From the
place where we went on picket we could see Washington
and in fact we could see every around W___
and Alexandria in short we could see right in
our enemies Country. I will write soon and give
you the particulars and an account of things down
there.

Tell Pa I received his letter on my return last
night, and was very glad to hear from you all. will
answer it soon.

I am very sorry to hear that my uniform
coat is too small. I wish you would Please send down
my uniform by the first opportunity. If the Country
does not intend furnishing us with overcoats I wish
you would please make one for me I would like to have
it very large and a cape with it, like that one of
Walters, it is absolutely necessary for me to have one
on picket, as I can not run about through the woods
at night with my gun and a shawl.

Ma there has been several letters and a little package
sent to Front Royal to me. Please send them down
by the very first opportunity as I am very anxious
to get them.

[page 2]
Head Quarters has been moved down to F. C. H.
we saw the boys last night they are all well.

Please ask Pa to send down my boots as
soon as he can conveniently do so.

I must close as Mr. Miller will leave
in a few moments Write soon

Ever Your aff son
R[ichard] B[ayly] B[uck]

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

MSS 3093 and 1091