Letter from Lawrence Royster to John E. Roller

Creator:

Royster, Lawrence, 1841-1914

Scope and content:

Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter discusses examinations and mutual friends at VMI.

Language:

English .

Other descriptive data:

"V.M.I" Jan. 6th '64

Dear Roller,
Your letter was a pleasant surprise. I did not expect it for some time to come, it was received however too late for me to reply by Thursday's mail, the mail is now always a day too late.

Well sir, I enter upon the deep and stormy waters of the Rubicon on tomorrow. I have labored up to this time as diligently as I could, but I never was now fearful of shipwreck before. I leave the result to fate, wherever she casts my lot, I will have to remain satisfied. I will write you the result however immediately it is known, if I should be thrown I will see you a short time after.

Many thanks to you for your kind invitation to visit you as well as the ladies, it would afford me great pleasure, and if possible, I will accept it. Pizzini and myself are just enjoying the contents of two boxes, which "that confounded packet" has at last brought to hand, we wish so much that you were here to share it with us. Prince was out frolicking last night until 12 o'clock, so that I could not attend to your messages. This morning I gave him the letter and told him that I intended writing to you and would send any message he might desire, but he said nothing at all. I have delivered your message to Blum and Perkinson. Beckham left last Saturday for Staunton and carried your trunk with him as you directed, I suppose you have received it by this. Smith F. has not written the letter to his brother yet, as soon as he does, I will forward to you if he does not do so himself. I have heard nothing of Crawford since you left. Dick Chaffin was severely wounded in the recent fight near Covington, 'tis thought his leg will have to be amputated. I wish I could have received your letter in time to reply by Thursday's mail as I know you will expect an answer then. I have attended to your little affairs, no trouble I can assure you. If you have other business in this section, let me hear and I will also attend to that. Overton as well as all the occupants of No. 23 send their kindest regards. You will hear from me again by Monday or Tuesday next.

Your sincere friend
Lawrence Royster

Subjects:

Virginia Military Institute—Cadet life—1860-1869
Correspondence

Names:

Pizzini, Andrew, Jr., 1846-1913
Chaffin, Richard B. (Richard Booker), 1844-1902
Roller, John E. (John Edwin), 1844-1917
Royster, Lawrence, 1841-1914
Pizzini, Andrew, Jr., 1846-1913
Chaffin, Richard B. (Richard Booker), 1844-1902
Roller, John E. (John Edwin), 1844-1917

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