(undated)(first part of letter is missing.)

"There comes from Detroit a large package marked CAP and when it is opened is found to contain cakes of all descriptions and mottos of a national caracter in almost every one. the patriotic ladies of detroit got together and made us all a small needle-book puting in it needles thread buttons pins beeswax and all that is required for such uses.

The Kalamazoo bible society sent a new testament for each of the soldiers in their companies and a plate inside the lid on which to write your name. it is after this wise From the Kalamazoo Bible Society to________________________ if he should fall in battle let tidings be sent to_______________ the blanks are left to be filled out with your name and the post office address of the friend that you wish tidings carried to.

We anticipate going to grouse isle (Grosse Ile, Michigan) about 7 miles down the river and encamp for brigade drill, there not being any proper ground here at the fort and the 3 & 4 Regt. are to be ordered thare to. (elsewhere in the letter) The artillery company that was here from Coldwater left for cincinatti friday. they wore as rough set of fellows as you ever saw.

(exerpts from another letter written 7-20-61 from Camp Winfield Scott)

(exerpts from another letter written 7-27-61 from Arlington Heights, VA)

"My health is good but my spirits are some what down. the disastrous and uncalled for retreat from the enemy at bulls run is enough to convince the war department I should think that drunken counter hoppers are not the men to command an army. In the first place the general of this division of the army Tyler knew nothing of the numbers or position of the rebels and besides he was intoxicated and did at one time fall from his horse and was picked up and placed on the saddle again to command the army of the federal government."

He writes often to his sister, brothers and wife. An interesting sidebar to all this is that his sister, Clarissa Foster Richardson, lost her husband early in 1861 (not war related). Nathan, Jordan and Herschel had all lived nearby and helped him take care of his rather large farm. All of a sudden Clarissa found herself with no husband, her three brothers gone off to war, and there she was--left with no one except herself and 3 small children to tend crops, horses and livestock. Her widowed father, at 60 years of age, moved in with her and together they fought their own war, trying to keep a roof over their heads and food on the table. It's actually quite a story and I am in the process of putting it into a privately-published book, and perhaps I should just send you copies of the letters pertaining to the 2nd Infantry. Will make contact later. Maggie Snyder