Richmond May 25.

 

Dear Mother.

            I wrote to you about a month ago saying I had not rec'd any letters from you for a long time, but the letter had hardly gone when I recd two or three letters one from you & Nannie, one from Miss Sue & Mrs Miles.

 

I am in Richmond staying at Mrs Miles. I am on an (detail duty) here for a week our Bat. had a fight with Mr. Sheridan's raiders near Beaver Dam lost 4 killed 17 wounded none that you knew. I got a telegram from Hanson of 22^nd May he had not been hurt up to that time. 

 

I met Uncle the other day he belongs to the Ambulance Committee from Lynchburg, he gave me a nice cup of coffee &c. he thinks roughing it has done him a great deal of good. The pipe (a beauty) shirts knives &c. recd also yours to Mrs Miles of 7^th inst.

 

            I have not been in any fighting since the Kilpatrick Raid so dont be uneasy. I will probably see a good deal of fighting a week or two hence but hope for the best. Gus was well a day or two ago & all the boys of your acquaintance.

 

            Mrs Miles is as kind as possible & takes your / place very well. Mrs Macfarland says that Hanson is in Mr Miles charge & I am in hers & she really treats me like a son. She has one of the finest looking to girls for her daughter (Miss Turner Macfarland) I ever saw if I were two or three years older wouldn't I be in love, but she is only a year younger than myself & with the numerous beaux she has there is no hope for poor "Ral"

 

            Tell the Pater familias that all things are working well for the Rebs. grant Grant has been signally defeated & Siegel ditto. Butler ditto. Averill do. & Sherman do— /

 

I rec'd Dougs letter by Flag of Truce. give him my love I will answer soon. Your humble servt is well & he hearty, about the clo color of light mahogany caused by the exposure to sun &c. I hope to see you all in old Baltimore this time next year if Old Grant don't do better.

 

            Mrs Campbell has a son very proud of her blood will show. every body speaks to me of Mrs C. as world-known by her kind & patriotic deeds.

 

Give my love to Pa Nan Mary & all of them. I will write to Marsh N. & M soon Love to all the boys & much for you

                                                                       

R. Colston Thomas

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