October 12th, 1861.—Cousin Rich was buried today. Crowds of people came and Governor Milton delivered an eulogy on his spotless record. His is the first blood shed on Florida soil in this cruel war. All his brothers were present except Cousin Johnnie, who is in Virginia. His two sisters are so distressed. When the services at the grave were over a military company came forward and fired three times across his grave, it was horrible.
Three weeks ago Cousin Rich came home on a short furlough. He came by Pine Hill to see us and after he had said “goodbye,” he stood a moment with his cap in hand and looked about him.
“This is a lovely place,” he said. “I hate to say goodbye,” and in another moment he was gone.
We never know what the future holds for us. I will not write again soon for Aunt Nancy wants me to stay some with them. I am so fond of cousin Rob and little Susie and maybe I can help a little bit.
