West Point, N.Y.

June 6, 1861

Dear Jim,

Your letter of the 3rd inst. as well as your previous note, have been received, and I owe you many thanks for the kindness you have evinced in my behalf. You have been fortunate in anticipating my wishes and inclinations in reference to my own case, that I will serve in any position the Govt. may call me to and with all the energy and power I possess. I have said but little except among ourselves here on the present difficulties that surround the Government but they may be summed up in a few words--a more disgraceful plot in the part of our friend B's cabinet officers and the leading politicians of the South, to break up our Government, without cause, has never blackened the Pages of History in any nations' record.

Your note prepared me in a measure for its sad news contained in your letter rec'd today. I spent last Sunday evening with Mrs. Alvin and the Capt. and with Miss Sarah and her friend Mrs. Schermerhorn in N.Y. They had despaired of your (Rob. and yourself) being able to get South and tho' greatly distressed at William's situation here, I think in a sense are prepared for the worst, tho' hoping he might reach home alive. Poor Will! When shall he ever learn the sad details of his last moments! His spirit was a noble one. I hope he was spared any indignity from those around him in his last illness tho' they appear maddened enough from all accounts, to disregard the solemn chamber of the sick man as he deterred from insulting the whole North and every one connected with it by death itself.

Mrs. Schermerhorn is very anxious to have her son appointed to West Point in case Congress authorizes the vacancies of the Southern Cadets filled temporarily by the President's appointment. At least, if should do so, will you bear it in mind and make an effort to have him appointed. I will obtain his name and full particulars in time. If you think you can do anything, let me know, and believe me.

Yours truly &c

J. F. R.

Our examinations commence on Sunday next and will be very busy. Give my kind regards to Rob. and all friends with you. Tell Rob. I have been on the eve of writing him to know when he was coming up to pay his visit here and that I have reserved some of that good Monongahela in case he should drop in suddenly, and at all events will have something to steady his nerves at Billiards, the only amusement we indulge in here.

Yours affectionately,

J.F.R.

Jas. L. Reynolds, Esq.

Lancaster, Pa.