Raleigh, March 30, 1862. Sunday night.
Dearest : — I received your good letters tonight. I will recollect Will De Charmes and do what I can properly, and more too. I wish you and the boys and Grandma were here tonight to enjoy the sacred music of our band. They are now full (eighteen) and better than ever. The regiment is also strong and looks big and effective. Eight companies on dress parade looked bigger than the regiment has ever seemed since we left Camp Chase. The service performed the last ten days, breaking up bushwhackers and Governor Letcher’s militia musters, is prodigious. They have marched in snow four to six inches deep on the mountains sixty-five miles in three days, and look all the better for it. — Much love to Grandma and the dear boys. Ever so lovingly yours,
R.
I hear of Lippett’s arrest and Whitcomb’s death; both sad for families, but Lippett better have gone into the army and been killed.
Mrs. Hayes.
