1862 August 15 Port Gibson

                                  Port Gibson
                           Friday August 15 - 62
My dear Cousin [Richard Bayly Buck]
                           Yours of the 3d bringing me
such sad news was received yesterday morning
I have just gotten up (as soon as I was
able) to try and write you a few lines &
to give some directions. Dear Charley how my
heart aches for  him & the result of dear
Willie's wound fills me with anxiety & unea
siness the shock was terrible as it was un=
expected. And the suspense seems almost
insupportable.  I try to commend him to God
& pray that he may be prepared for what-
ever is prepared for him.  If I was well enough
I should have started immediately to see him
I look anxiously for another letter from you
this evening & pray it may bring good news.
I want you to write to me & leave the letter
in the office at Richmond to be kept until
called for.  Giving me the Street & number of

[page 2]
the house of the gentleman with Charly is staying
also directions for finding your camp. but you
must not tell Charly this as something may
prevent my going on & he would be so disapp
ointed  At the same time please write me
& direct here telling me all the particulars
of the situation does he need anything? Has
he any money with him?  has he drawn his pay
or bounty?  who is Mr Mayo? and Mr Oliver
I never heard of them before.
I must thank you my dear cousin for writing
so promptly.  I do feel that you will do all
you can for Charly, but fear you will not
be allowed to go to see him often, and
Robert & Smith also  I am sure will do all
in their power.  I have looked much to R's
experience & advice for my dear brother,
I recd a letter from home to day. which I
send with this.
Mr B has returned from Texas & is tolirably
well  May God bless & spare you for his
service is the pray of
                              Your attached cousin
                                               C B B

[in left margin of page 1]
If you have not written to Papa I think you had best
                                    not write until Charly
                                              is a great-deal
                                        better      



the following not is enclosed

My own dear Charly  [Buck]
Richard's letter with the
distressing news of your sufferings reached me last
night.  I cannot tell you dear Charly how it
makes my heart ache to thing of your suffer=
ing there alone.  if I was only well enough to
start Right off to be with & nurse you.  I hope
to hear to night & if I am well enough will go
on.  I pray that God may be with you and
support you under your sufferings that he may
sanctify them to you & enable you to put your
trust in the Saviour.  He has said "Call upon
me in the day of trouble: I will deliver thee.
and thou shalt glorify me" "God is our
refuge, and strength a very present help in
trouble."  May he fulfill these promises to you
my dear Charly.  I long to be with & nurse you.
I hope you are in the hands of kind nurses,
but I know that every body must be worn out
in Richmond.
I send you a letter from home which I hope

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will cheer you not because there is good
news but that it is no worse. that our dear
father has not been torn from his home, & their
lives are still spared.  We must commit them
to an Almighty Arm.  These are indeed the
"times which try mens souls"
Mr B is with me now he has been very
sick but is nearly well.
The children & Mr B join me in much
love.  May the Lord be with you & restore
you to health & strength and make you
one of  his chosen children
                      Devotedly your sister
                                         CBB

Mr Charles N Buck
Richmond