Requested to wear crape on arm as a memorial to dead friend.

Glade Spring V                    10
Feb th 27 1841
 
     Mr Samuel C Gleaves
        Buffalo Ford
           Wythe Cty
               Virginia

                     Emory & Henry College February 27th 1841
Dear Sir
     The reception of your letter on yesterday met my gratification and I was much pleased with the news of your Tazewell trip and particular your enjoyment with the ladies    Our old school mate has taken to himself a lady and I hope they may live happy lives.  I read the 5 books in Virgil in the vacation and I am reviewing with your class.  I did not leave the college during that time, even to go and see Cousin Ann and Aunt Betty or Mrs Findley    I received a letter from Rebecca about 4 weeks since and a glorious one it was, and I am confident that she loves me as well as any one else.  I want you to keep it a secret for, I do not wish it to get out that I write to her.  We had a fine discussion last night in out society and afterwards we passed a resolution that every member belonging the society should wear a piece of crape on his left arm for the space of 30 days commencing on Monday and as a memorial of WS Winniford now Dead.  We wish you as a member to conform to the resolution most all the members absent have been

On enveolpe:
written to.  For this reason I write so soon.
Write again            Your friend
SCG                         William F Harris