1862 June 4 Richmond, Va.

                                                              June
                                  Richmond Va April ^ 4th 1862

This is Wednesday evening, much more cool & pleasant than
its predecessor, the Day and Col Moore, & Lt. Foster the Exquisite
are here making themselves as agreeable as a moderate degree
of conversation can render them. That last remark has more im=
mediate reference to the last named individual than to
Col. for you know he always does make himself agreeable.
Now that I have discussed those two worthies sufficiently at length
shall devote the rest of my sheet to matters touching home &
its people.  Just at this juncture Cousin Kate came in & tuck her
seat by me, preparatory to demolishing a cup of tea & some bread
and butter, which process she is "ant fait" at. Mggie has taken
the greatest fancy to me & whenever she catches a glimpse of my
uniform or hears my footstep, she instantly cries out at the
pitch of her voice, which you know, is not very weak-for
Ch Tarley as she calls me & will not recieve her quietus until
I make my appearance fully prepared to act in whatever
capacity she may desire.  Mother has been quite unwell to
day--having overtasked herself at the church, making Beds
for the wounded soldiers.  Richmond id a quiet as can be under
the circumstances.  She seems to be relying confidently upon
the skill of our Officers in the field to expell the Foe
& once more restore us to repose & quiet.
Day before yesterday Monsieu Calvert began in the presence
of the Lady portion of this family to abuse Virginia--which
of course, brot down upon his head the most terriffic
                                                                        Gertrude
shower of words, warnings & threats-viz Mr. Calvert ^  I think
you ought to be more guarded, than to speak so despa-
-ringingly of Virginia--in a house full of Virginians

[page 2]
Mr C--I intend to speak, think & act, just as I please.  Well
says Hennie--I desire that you neither, speak, act nor
feel in this house since which time, he has been
respectfully silent.  What brot about this controversy--is
this, Some very smart person has concocted a Parody upon
My Maryland. One verse runs somehow thus.
                     We will not stays & fight & meet the foe
                     Fore we might get shot & killed you know
                                               South
                     But we'll go down ^ & blow
                     Maryland my Maryland.
I donot think I have it exactly right--but it is somehow
in that style, Gertrude sang this verse over once, not
thinking of Mr C, at the time, but he being very touchy
on the subject jumped at the Conclusion that she (G) was
ridiculing Md. & there began his tirade upon Virginia and
Virginians generally.
                              I have pitched my tent in the yard
         but live as I would in camp
and  ^ Camp life, sleep out there every night, not with
standing the frequent heavy showers we have had--and
have not been inconvenienced in the least--but rather
have been comfortably cool, whilst those in the house
have been very uncomfortably warm.
            Dutchie is suffering very severely with a headache
and I have been called upon to go for the Dr., but feeling
not altogether very well, I sent George.
            Sister you do not know how much I regret not
                     come
being able to go ^ up to Mr Rives when so near, for I
don not know when I shall have another opportunity
If Jackson still continues to be victorious in the SoWest
& Genl Lee whips McClelland's Army-I shall then have

[page 3]
an opportunity.  Father, I have not heard from since I
have been here, & have myself been so busy - that time has
not been alloted me to write him, but presume he is
well, & Mother has kept him posted & told him of my
presence. Give my love to Mr & Mrs Rives & the enclosed note
to Miss Ella.  You can write to me at Richmond--as I donot expect
to be posted very far from town.
                                        Mr Alexr Rive has sent & insisted
upon the Girls going up--somewhere int he Country and
stay with him--& will not receive No as an answer.
If the girls & Mother can leave town, in the event that
Richmond is shelled--I shall feel better satisfied.
Now don't think that I apprehend anything so serious to
our comfort here, for Gen Lee, I understand--has issued
an order, that no more retreating, & has left it discretionary
with Colns of Regiments & Brigades, to attack the Enemy
at any time & place he may be found--& to understand
that not an inch must be Crawfished.
All well save those mentioned on the Sick list.
                                        Your affect Bro
                                                   C.

To Mrs Alfred Rives
       Cobham P.O.
            Albemarle Co
                VA

E & O E

MSS 2313