Upon receipt of the money order and the letter from Colonel Rice, the Bensons shared this news at the traditional 1886 Oyster Dinner.

Sudley Springs, Va.
Dec. 8, 1886

Col. John L. Rice:
My Dear Friend:

Your very kind rememberance of Mrs. Benson and myself has placed us under great obligation to you. We heartily thank you for your effort, which proved so successful, in behalf of our little church that occupies the same site it did when the scenes of the conflict were being enacted. On the evening of December 2 we had an oyster supper fo the benfit of the church when a large part of the congrgation assembled. Having just returned from Manassas with your generous gift of $235 and the leter and papers which accompnied it, a good opportunity was afforded to give publicity to your kind response to our need. Acccordingly the letter and the papers were read to the company, and had you been present to witness the deep appreciotion of all, as shouwn in the quiet of the whole house and the tears which moistened the eyes of many, you would have felt amply repaid for your benevolence.

Immediately a vote of thanks was tenered to you and all whose names name appear on the list of subscribers. Our estimate of this noble deed is far above the value indicated by the figures. It has converted Mrs. Benson, for while she always redered service so far as she could to your suffering solders, she has never been reconstructed till now.

Now, my dear colonel, if you or any of your friends ever visit Sudley, as I hope you may, we promise you an old Virginia greeting - not such a greeting, however, as a lady of the neghborhood once promised to an officer of the retreating Union army when she asked him why his men were falling back, and he replied, "That they may prepare to renew the attack tomorrow." Said she, "Come back tomorrow, and the gentlemen, who are not all at home today, will give you a sample of it." Be assured, kind friend, of a hearty welcome for yourself and others to our homes whenever you choose to come.

I love to meet and talk with old soldiers about the days of suffering through which we passed. There is much that we remember with pleasure and much that we cannot foget too soon. We served as we were able, many of your noble men at Sudley Church. Many died there; others took our names and promised to write us. No doubt many of them have passsed away and some have forgotten us. One pooor fellow on leaving said to Mrs. Benson: " Let me take your hand once more," and while tears streamed down his face he added: "If I live to get home I shall tell my mother to pray for you." She believe now that mother's prayers have been answered in her behalf.

My heart is full as I pen these words, and I feel that I would love to say more but must forbear. Again allow me to say in the same of Sudley, we gratefully acknowledge your generous offering.

Your sincere friend,
Amos Benson

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