Sept 22, 1862 Moses H. Buchanan to Arthur Buchanan

[envelope front]
Mr. Arthur R. Buchanan
Goodson, Va

[top of envelope has imprint of Confederate flag and this typed poem]

Gather around your country's flag,
Men of the South, the hour has come-
None may falter, none may lag -
March to the sound of the fife and drum.

Jefferson Co Va Sept 22nd 1862

Dear Brother
I take my pen in hand to inform you that I am well at present and hope these few lines may find you all in the enjoyment of the same blessing[.] I received Nancy's letter and was sorry to hear that you were sick[.] I hope you will recover again[.] We have had a verry [sic] hard time ever since the middle of August we have fought six battles and marched over 250 miles[,] have had short rations and but one suit of clothing. In the fight of the 17th [Battle of Antietam] our loss was verry [sic] great only about 80 privates of our regiment were in the fight between 50 and 60 are killed [,] wounded and missing[.]

But 10 or 12 of our company were in the engagement 1 is missing[,] 3 wounded charles Taylor[,] William Rhea and two others were killed out of company A[.] I was detailed to go for water and before I got back the fight was over not over but I met our men strgling [sic] every where[.] I want you to write as often as you can and I will do the same give my best respects to all the rest[.]

Your Affectionate
Brother

Moses H. Buchanan