1862 March 26 from Joseph D. Richardson (Camp Clay Washington D.C.) to Mother (Mm Richardson Beverly N.J.) re: received her letter of the 21st and glad to hear that Aunty is better. He is feeling better and blister is getting better, Mr. Jones is better and Mr. Miller and Buck send their best. Tell Mrs. Stone that she lost her bet for Bryant has been turned out and we now have a Colonel that is worth a dozen of him, and our Leut. Colonel has come and he is a fine officer. He heard that the soldiers would be paid the 15th of next month but do not know how it will be and does not know how to get the money to her. All the Beverly boys are well. Over 40,000 troops have come into Washington, D.C. to go on Expeditions. Mr. Gifford and Mr. Roberts send their best to all. [Plain letter, envelope flap edged in red and blue with embossed icon “Union and Constitution” over spread-winged eagle standing on shield of stars and stripes]