1863 January 3 Richmond, Va.

                       Richmond Jany 3. 1863

Edmund Ruffin Jr Esq

Dear Sir                           In behalf of the
suffering people of Fredericksburg, I beg
you will accept my thanks for your
two contributions - the first of $30
and the last just recd of $50 to the
fund for their relief = The first was
acknowledged in one of our city newspapers
and would have been acknowledged to
you sooner by letter but for incessant
engagements = By the aid of contribu-
tions from yourself & many others ani-
mated by the same spirit, I hope we
shall be able to prevent any further
actual suffering among these brave
and patriotic people
                     Very Respy & Truly
                                 R. R. Howison
                                Treasr Fred R F

MSS 3026