1861 Dec[ember] 9 Front Royal

Monday

Dear Richard
Supposing by this time you have
returned from picket, I will drop
you a hasty line--Tho' I shall
do so at considerable inconvenience,
as I have a cut on my thumb,
which is quite painful--

About the day you went on picket, I
wrote you a hasty note and sent
you a little bundle by Peyton Scrog
gins---Did you get it?

Knowing you were on picket, we have
watched the weather of the last few days
with great interest. It has been truly
delicious.

Your Ma has made you some Flan
nel drawers & shirts; and some socks,
which she will send you in a
few days--I hope you have recovered
those stolen--It seems to me especial
pains ought be taken to detect the thief
in the very act, and make an example

[page 2]
of him. Lay a trap for him--

We have no very late news
from Walter---he was well at
last accounts--

Cous M[ount?] is quite ill, and
I am very uneasy about him--
We have a good many deaths
at the hospitals--I am in almost
every day and take great interest
in many of them.

Tell Cous Willie & Scott their familey
are well & remember me to them; Also to
Alvin Irving [Benton?] Charlie &c &c

Charlie Buck is improving rapidly.
Amos Grover came home on Saturday
night to see his wife--She is better,
but he is quite unwell having
cold with cough & some fever--

He speaks of going down but
if he does he will almost certainly
be "laid up" He requests that
I will ask you to say to the Captian
that if possible he will be down
on Wednesday or Thursday--

Kind regards to the Com[any--all
send love Very Truly Your Aff
M.B. Buck

p s
Did you see Mr Huffman's father?

Richard B Buck
Co B 17th Ref Va Vols
Centreville
Fairfax Co

Politeness
Mr Petty

MSS 3064