Richmond July 21^st

 

Dear Mother

            I have arrived here safely after innumerable delays & mishaps. After leaving Balto we took the Fortress Monroe boat & after arriving at the Fortress we were transferred to a little tug & taken to Norfolk we were put in Fort Norfolk & confined there a week with citizens soldiers Confederates &c. (now alas for it serious part) whilst we were out bathing with a guard some of the Union prisoners came into our room & abstracted forcibly my trunk therefrom / as soon as informed of it I told the Major commanding the post & he tried to get it back he succeeded in getting the trunk indeed back but "minus" the clothes I lost every thing except my corduroys & vest & black coat & overcoat & cavalry boots I afterward bought my britches breeches a linen shirt & a pair of socks but the rest were gone. we fortunately were called for by the Flag of Truce boat last Thursday & taken us off you cannot imagine my feelings when we I / arrived at City Point & saw the new Confederate flag (a large one by the way) waving out & knowing that under its broad shade I would be safe. we got to Petersburg & instead of reporting at Camp Parole, we went to the hotel & had been there about an hour when the Provost Marshal came into our room & told us we would have to go to the Guard-house we finally got off by the Lieutenant knowing Hanson. we were also arrested the next day on board the cars & kept untill yesterday at Camp Parole / we got here at last. I went to see M^r M^cfarland & he was very kind sold my money ($90) & got $5.40 for it. I saw Cousin William Norris he says he will do anything for me he can. I was in the bank with M^r M^cfarland when a lady came in & I was introduced to her but did not hear her name. it proved to be Mrs Stanard she asked me up to supper tonight which I accepted. I have gotten a letter Uncle left for me. he knew I was to be sent across the lines & told M^r K. Gordon to let me have any money I wanted. I have gotten a pass & am going to see him tomorrow he is at Rapidan I forgot to tell you, whilst we went before the Commander at Camp Parole I met Sam Knox. I met Phil Cokely & when I got here I met Bob Alsobrook & Tuck Smith. I have not heard from Hanson since my arrival. Bob Alsobrook sends you his

 

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kindest regards. Give my love to all my friends with much for yourself

                                                                       

I am very affectly yours

Raleigh

 

Send me down some army shirts they cost 40 & 50 dollars here. write & direct to M^r Mcfarland       R—h

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