Dear Ma
No doubt you all wonder at my long silence as I have not written home for nearly two weeks but indeed i have not had time for since we returned from Pickett I have been so busy that i have not had time to write. When I have not been on the trenches I have been on Division drill which commences about dinner time and lasts until Sun down. Besides Willie, Scott and myself have commenced to build our little shanty in which we hope to spend the Winter but about the time we finish it we may probably be compelled to leave as the movements n the army are so uncertain. It is so very cold in our tents that some of the boys are at work on their houses today, Sunday.
You will receive by the bearer of this note Willie Jackson a haversack with my dirty clothes in it also some summer socks and a pair of gloves. Please keep them at home and send down my other other clothes in the haversack as soon as they are washed. I intend making an arrangement to send up my dirty clothes every week in a haversack and get you to have them washed as it is getting too cold to wash out doors.
I received the bag of vegetables and clothes set by Amos, many thanks to you and Pa for them. The can of peaches was also received. Willie, Scott and myself intend going over to Head Quarters this evening and eating them with the boys.
I have packed my box and labeled it but I can not get to the Junction to have it sent off on the freight. I will try and have it sent up soon.
You ask me if I have any idea of coming home Christmas. I would like very much to do but there is no possible chance of my doing so. My time will be up next April then I hope to come home and stay some time. What are the folks about Warren going to [drive'?] at Christmas.
When did you hear from Walter? Tell him he must write to me. he has never written to me yet.
What is Pa driving at on the farm? How was his corn this season? I must close. Willie sends his love to all, Scott would do so too but he is not in. Give my love to Cousing Mount E. & M. Love to all. Write soon.
Ever your affec. son
R.B.B.
Richard Bayly Buck, 1844-1888, Co. B of the 17th Virginia Infantry, the Warren Rifles
[transcribed from a later copy]
MSS 3064
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