1861 September 23 Fairfax C. House [Virginia]

Dear Pa
As Mr Boone leaves for Front
Royal this morning I will drop you a line to
let you know that I am well it will be but
a line as I am on guard and will have to return
in a few moments. I was Sergeant of the Guard
last night at the ammunition train and
had a very rough time as no one was
allowed to come within a hundred yards
with fire they were not even allowed to
smoke.

I received the box of Peaches by Scott
on Saturday very much oblige to you, I
tell you they were acceptable. I received my
uniform also, it is very nicely made indeed
the coat is rather small. I have not had
the pants yet but I think they will fit nicely.

Ma only put two chevrons on the sleeves ^'of my coat'
three is the number required by a Sargeant
Please ask Ma to send me a half yard
more of braid and I will get Mr Williams
to fix it.

Billy Walter request me to ask you to see
Cousin T Ashby and ask him if he can get
an overcoat out of that committee goods and
if so at what price. Please let me know the
next time you write.

As Mr Brown has a great many things
to carry up this morning I will defer sending
up the box and Boots untill Mr Triplett goes
If you can get any Envelopes I wish you would
send me some I must close write soon
Love to Ma and all the children You aff son
R[ichard] B[ayly] B[uck]

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

MSS 3064