1861 September 19 Fairfax C House [Virginia]

Dear Pa:--
Harvey Lake has just informed me
that he will leave in a short time for Front Royal and has
kindly consented to carry a note to you for me.

Things are very active here since Generals Beaureg
ard and Johnstone moved their head Quarters here. Gen B

is at Fairfax and Gen Johnson between Fairfax C. House
and Fairfax Station I reckon you would think if
I were to tell you that there are seventy five wagons
just below our camp loaded with amunition
that we were about to make some forward movement
But it does not look as much to me as if we
were as it did a short time ag9o. Time only
will determine these things and it is useless
for me to make any conjectures.

Myself and the other Sergeants and Corporals
have to get a lesson in Hardee Tactics every day
and recite to Lieut Turner in the evening after
dress Parade.

We see the Boys from Head Quarters
quite frequently as they are only a few hundred
yards from our camp they are looking very well.

Pa I wrote to Ma the other day about
an overcoat I wish if you have it made you
will get Mr Petty to cut it like he cut Toms
it is much the best way I received my
Boots by Lieut Petty and are very much
obliged to you for them. I am very much
pleased wit them with one exception the
legs are too small they are most too large

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in the feet but I reckon that is a very
good fault.

i heard that you had found your
mule Scot Fristoe [?] gave a very amusing
account of it..

When will Mr Fox be down
I heard that he had been married

You must remind Walter that
I am still in the land of the living
I heard that Mr Peyton said Walter was the
best cavalry man in that Regt.

I suppose Charley and Scott are having
a fine time you can send my uniform down
by them.

When you write you must tell
me all about the hospital and how many
sick you have is Doc Turner connected
with it.

I would like to have some of those nice
Peaches & Grapes I suppose you are having a
fine time while they last.

I must close Write Soon
Love to Ma and all the family Ever Your aff son
R[ichard] B[ayly] B[uck]



Confederate General William J. Hardee's 1855 textbook, “Rifle and Light Infantry Tactics,” was required reading for officers in both the Union and Confederate armies during the Civil War .

MSS 3064