1861 December 16 Front Royal

Dear Richard
Mr Fox goes down in the mor-
ning and your Ma sends by him your
fatigue jacket under Shirt & Socks--
She will send your other clothing
when you require them; & will send her
word--She was gratified at the
receipt of your note by Willie Jackson.

You ought write home almost
daily--I fear you will almost
forget how to read or write if
you do not practice more than you
probably do--

You ought practice reading also
daily--
When you go into winter quar
ters you will have fine opportunitiy
for improvement and I hope you will
avail yourself of it.
Cous Mount is probably a little better
The rest of the family well--Cous Eve[?]
has left this morning for Cous Sam's

[page 2]
Tell Amos all well at his house
Be sure to send back by Mr Fox
Boxes Bags Baskets Buckets &c

Nothing late from Walter--

We are machining and I am tired
and sleepy--

Remember me to Alvin, Irving, Cous
Willie, Charlie, Amos and indeed all
the boys--

How do you get on in your
new domicile Sleepily but
Affectionately
M. B. Buck

PS. Be sure to see Mr Huffman
for me and report by Mr Fox
of if you can not get Mr F or
Amos to do so--

I send you a "Vipo" and a
budget of newspapers

M.B. B[uck]

MSS 3064