1862 June 8 2 miles from Port Republic

2 miles from portrepublic
                                  AM
Sunday  Thursday 8th 8 oclk^
                    June 8th 1862

Dear Mama

                               We are fighting
nearly every day, we met with heavy
loss day before yesterday. General
Ashby was killed will be burried
in Charlottesville. none in our
Co. was hurt. we took 41cavs
prisoners 1 Col. major & 3 or 4 capts.
Our Cav. did not loose a man
good many of the Yankee Cav
were killed, after we charged
the infantry on each side
were rushed in & it was a very
hot fight, our loss was 40 killed
I think & thirs is thought to be
more. I broke my horse down
& would not have been able to
get have gotten him off the field
had I not bled him in the

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in the mouth, but I dont
want you to send Cricket
atall for those who have
not got horses don't have any
thing to do, we don't get any
grain for them, & Cricket is too
good a horse to be lost in
that way.  Co. Munford has
command of all of Gen
Ashbys forces.  I send this by
Frank Minor who is going home
for a horse, if they let me
come home for a horse I will
ride Cricket not without &
I dont want him sent to me
by any one.  Love to Papa

[the following lines are very faded and illegible:]

Dis & Jim Aunt Lu and friends
Grandmamma & all whom you
do see there.  [        ?       ]
I dont know where to tell
you to direct your letters

Your  [?]   son   W.H.B.

William Henry Burnley,  2nd Regiment, Virginia Cavalry
MSS 7871