1861 Dec 28 Centreville Va

Tendering my compliments
to the Misses Cary, I must
return them my thanks for the
nice "Christmas gift" sent me.
It was very delicious and
enjoyed in appreciative
quantities by a select circle
of military gentlemen who did
us the honor to dine with us.
I shall be in Richmond
in a few weeks and antici
=pate as the one of the speciall
pleasures incident of the trip
the opportunity it will afford me
to make your acquaintance
Although the intimate
[page 2]
official & personal relation between
your brother and myself almost
from the commencement of my
career in the Army, together
with my sincere regard for him
scarcely permit me to consider
you as entire strangers to me
now.
Praying a pleasant Christmas
and a happy New Year for you
both I remain
with highest respect
Your friend
Alfred M. Barbour

Miss Hattie & Jennie Cary
Richmond
Va.

Capt. Alfred M. Barbour had been civil superintendent of the United States armory at Harper's Ferry and then served as Chief Quartermaster under General Joseph Johnston

MSS 1415