July 14, 1863
Smith, David V.M., 1823-1863
Header Record
Title: Collection of David V. Smith, D company, 12th regiment, New Jersey, infantry [Decimalized .01-.60]
The correspondence of David V. R. Smith, a Private in the 12th New Jersey Volunteers, includes 59 war-date letters written to his wife, Elizabeth, and his son, Charles Carroll, from Elmer, Salem Co., NJ. Smith's regiment served mostly as pickets and guards. His letters detailed this constant and fatiguing duty. However, he did see battle in two major campaigns: Chancellorsville and Gettysburg. Smith suffered from chronically swollen and painful legs which eventually killed him. His leg condition sent him to the hospital in August 1863 where he died on October 10, 1863 from his illness.…
GLC04189