All send their love.

 

Lynchburg Dec 29^th 1863

 

Dear Mother.

            Your letters (by Flag of truce) to Hanson & myself of the 5^th & 12^th inst were recd a day or two ago. I forwarded the former's to him yesterday. So xmas has passed & is gone. I couldn't help drawing a contrast to this & last xmas. the last spent so pleasantly & this one. well I ought not & do not complain, but must still remark the slight difference. Hanson & I rec'd Mr Johnson's message. it was a very kind one & Cousin Raleigh died a few days ago from his wound. his betrothed Miss Harvey was with him when he died. Poor Arthur Robinson is also no more he died in Richmond from the wound rec'd at Fredericksburg. I dislike to be the "harbinger of evil" but think it wr right in behalf of his family to inform them. I don't know whether they would allow me to send my likeness to you or not. I will enquire & send it to you if permission is granted. Aunt Eliza has been sick but is much better. I never saw saw her looking handsomer or better than she looked a day or so ago. she expressed the kindest regards for you & all. She is unbounded in her admiration to you & father. Uncle is also looking well & is has the same longing to see you all once more. soon Yates Downman is dead he died a week or so ago. also Mrs Rooney Lee died two or three days ago. I suppose this letter will be nothing but notice of deaths. But Aunt Eliza told me to tell you. Give my love to all the boys. When you write to Skip tell him to give my love to the boys & the teachers. I hope the soiree will go off well. Love to the family & Aunt Eliza. I am nearly if not quite well & will leave here next Thursday. Ask the girls to write to me by Truce

                                                                       

Your affect. son Raleigh C. Thomas

 

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Give my love to Pete & ask him to write

 

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