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to Elizabeth Smith

He expects to be in the army for quite some time but hopes to come home to visit. He will say no more about the "shop affair" since he can do nothing about it. Undated letter fragment.

GLC04189.09

to Elizabeth Smith

Envelope without letter. Addressed to Stamp. Post mark has been removed.

GLC04189.59

to Elizabeth Smith

Envelope without letter. Post marked from Washington.

GLC04189.60

to Elizabeth Smith and children

Smith describes his march from Washington, loading and unloading baggage cars, and being ordered to load the wounded onto steamers at Acquia Creek. They are camped within the sights of Confederate artillery. Addressed from Virginia nearly opposite...

GLC04189.20

to Elizabeth Smith

His legs feel much better. He asks his wife to write him several times a week and he hopes to do the same. Written from Camp Johnson.

GLC04189.03

[Certificate of David V. M. Smith]

Certifying that David V. M. Smith is a member of Company D, 12th Regiment New Jersey Volunteers and entitled to the state bounty.

GLC04189.06

to David Sithen or Thomas Sharp

Gives permission for D. V. M. Smith's wife to have a cord of wood.

GLC04189.12

to Charles

He describes non-stop guard duty to his son Charles. Smith also tells the story of a young drummer boy his son's age, who snuck out of camp in a flour barrel in order to visit town. He advises his son not to become a soldier.

GLC04189.15

to Elizabeth Smith

Discusses guard duty, the value of the equipment in his blacksmith shop, and an increase in desertions from some regiments who have not received furloughs.

GLC04189.18

to Elizabeth Smith

He has been sick since he joined the Army and now believes that his illness is due to bad food which "the devil can not eat." He describes how the regiment left New Jersey and traveled via railroad to Maryland. His regiment captured three of...

GLC04189.01

to Elizabeth Smith

Smith hopes he will soon be fit for duty. He has not received some letters his wife sent and is dismayed that she will not rewrite the news that was in them. He mentions trains full of soldiers passing by and, responding to her questions about...

GLC04189.04

to Elizabeth Smith

Describes the capture of a hearse that carried arms for the Confederacy. He found two newspapers lying on the road and mailed them to Anna [his daughter]. He asks Elizabeth to send him a letter detailing all the "impossibilities" she must deal with...

GLC04189.07

to Elizabeth Smith

He expects to leave for home in a few days. Page 3 and 4 are addressed to Charles.

GLC04189.10

to Elizabeth Smith

The blacksmith shop has been rented out. Mentions rumor that the army will move soon and General Wool has stopped issuing furloughs. Smith begs his wife not to mention his liquor consumption. He assures her that he is now a sober man and it hurts...

GLC04189.13

to Elizabeth Smith

He is still on guard duty. Discloses accounts that he would like his wife to collect. He also wants her to find out whether soldiers have to pay tax and, if so, how much. Briefly mentions the removal of McClellan and his renewed hope for a furlough...

GLC04189.16

to Elizabeth Smith and Charles C. Smith

The regiment was excused from guard duty on Thanksgiving to attend church and a dress parade. Smith urges Charles to learn to write and to study geography. "I now see the need of understanding the geography and the map and then I could tell when I...

GLC04189.19

to Elizabeth Smith

The Confederates camped twenty miles away in Frederick, Maryland. He has "Inflamatory Rheumatism" in his legs. The regiment's officers think that they will all be discharged by Christmas. Smith begs his wife to write him more frequently and adds...

GLC04189.02

to Elizabeth Smith

He received the letter she mailed yesterday (10/1/1862). He has only received one of four letters she sent. He gives her instructions concerning the "Post Office Matter" and how to file returns for stamps. In response to her complaint that he does...

GLC04189.05

to Elizabeth Smith

Smith gives his wife instructions for renting out his blacksmith shop. [see also #2, 13] He is dismayed that she rented out part of the house against his wishes. His legs are giving him trouble again. Discusses types of punishments in camp...

GLC04189.08

to unknown [fragment]

The rebels have torn up the road between camp and Frederick, Maryland and are now within 5 miles of the federal camp.

GLC04189.11

to Elizabeth Smith & children

Describes an offer in which ten men from each company would have the "privilege" of being allowed to join the regular army for five years. They have captured quite a few rebels and spies including: "A big nigger that has been watching us and...

GLC04189.14

to Elizabeth Smith & children

The army is building a General Hospital in town and his regiment has been assigned to guard it. He again asks his wife not to mention the "Rum question," claiming it makes him "feel a little dry until I forget it again." Continues on 11/26 to...

GLC04189.17

to Charles Carroll Smith

Discusses visiting friends in another regiment. He received his pay but his money and overcoat were stolen. He discusses thievery in camp and loading the wounded on to boats at Acquia Creek.

GLC04189.21

to Elizabeth Smith and children

The regiment has orders to cross the Rappahannock and attack Fredericksburg. Smith describes details of the attack plan. He also mentions a review of the Second Corps by General Ambrose Burnside and provides a description of the general.

GLC04189.24

to Elizabeth Smith

The army has begun to issue furloughs. The mud is still extremely deep. He discusses the children's health and whether or not they should attend school. He speculates on Hooker's plans for the army. "Joe Hooker will do One of 3 things he will...

GLC04189.27