Dear Benton:
You probably think
it time for a letter from
me–I would have written
before–but amid all the
confusion of a long & wearisome
march–I found it impossible
to write a satisfactory letter–&
could not have gotten it to Rd
to the office if I had written–we
camped yesterday evening,
after marching sixteen miles &
carrying all our baggage, about
two miles from Richmond
I left home (as well as I remember)
the 13th march–hurried by the
advance of the Yanks. I came
through Rappahannock (I did not see Roe)
& joined the army at Hazel river Culpeper Co
[page 2]
We marched through that Co into
Orange & camped a few days near
O C House, after staying there a
few days we marched down to
Spotsylvania & then back to
Louisa Ct H–then through
Hanover into Henrico & are
making a halt–dont know where
they will send us next. I had
to leave home just as the aspens
were budding–the violets springing
up & the yard was beginning to
look so green & pretty. The day
before I left the sun was shining
brightly–I went to our room–
opened the window & there where
we’ve spent so many pleasant
days I sat & thought of you.
A few days after I left I heard
that the enemy was there. Pa
wrote me a note (underground R R)
saying that he had conversed with
some of the Northern soldiers
[page 3]
–they say they only want
to whip us into the Union
–a hard piece of work that–
I saw Miss Lucie & Nellie
frequently whilst at home.
Hamp has joined Bowens
Cavalry. Gibson will stay
at home–at least I know
of nothing to the contrary–Ma
Pa & Carson were well when
I last heard from them, two weeks
ago. Whilst on the march we
could get no reliable news &
we had consequently to swallow
all kinds of rumors–among
others that Beauregard had
captured Buell’s whole
army & that Buell was killed
&c &c ad in. I dont know
where to tell you to direct
your letters–Richmond I guess
I write more but hardly
think this will reach you
Ro H.
[unidentified correspondent, found with the letters of Richard Bayly Buck]
MSS 3064