1862? July 20 from F. Rupert (Cloud’s Mill, Virginia) [west of Alexandria, James Cloud operated a mill from 1835-1863 during Civil War Union soldiers took it over, after 1863 mill declined. Also known as Triadelphia] to C. W. Rupert Dear Mother re: received her letter and relates that she complains that she has not had letters from him but he has written to Lucy. He is going away to Kentucky. Got a letter from Thom Barton saying he was in pretty good health and sent his card in letter which Francis is now sending to mother to take care of. Francis reports that he had to leave his clothes at Washington because he could not take them on his horse. He had no money to send them home. He and a fellow named Neal went out for blackberries and got about 20 quarts and make a stew of them. Lloyd is waiting for pen and ink to write home. Francis has gained about seven pounds since he has enlisted. Has to close now as he has to write to Thom and Will Corell? to day yet. “Give love to Father and all the rest of you. This is for Mother I always direct Mother’s letters to Lucy because I can spell her name the best.” [no envelope]