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                                    Castle Hill 18 Oct. 1864

My dear Doctor,

                  I had the pleasure of

receiving by the mail of yesterday your letter of 13th October. I am very much obliged to you for laying in, on such good terms, the quantity of coal for our winter use. I [trust?] it was very wise to add a ton to the quantity you originally suggested, which, I fear, would have been insuff- icient. I am glad that you included the freight & toll on the [flour?] in the [?] I sent you, as it saves the trouble of separate settlements to both of us. We will not fail to ap- prise you, in good times, of the farther articles we shall send you.

   I received the few lines you

had the kindness to write me respecting Mr. [Binney's?] wine. As this is an article which depends so much on actual taste & trial, I have contrived to postpone my purchase, until I shall have the opportunity of previously testing the article. If Mr. [Binney?] should send his wine to Richmond, I should be very much obliged to you to be my taster, and if it should please your palate, be so good as to secure a gallon for me. I find a little brandy toddy occasionally, (I mean apple brandy), or cider, agrees with me, quite as well, if not better than, wine. I am very happy to learn you are all well, & cheerful amid the events, military & political, which are transpiring from day to day. I am a disciple of Macauber, & cannot help hoping that "some- thing will turn up" for one advantage. Hoping before long to be with you, & with our units & affectionate re- gards to the ladies & yourself, I remain very truly & faith-

         fully yours
                  WC Rives

Dr. R. W. Haxall

           Richmond