18 October 1861
Smith, Asa, fl. 1861-1862
Autograph letter signed
Title: to mother
to mother [Ann Smith] He thanks his mother for the food she sent. His regiment may move forward soon, and he hopes the Pennsylvanian troops are not put on picket duty as they are incompetent: "The soldiers of the 16th fear them more than they do the enemy." He sent ten dollars to Natick on the last payday. His men have named his tent the "Smithsonian Institute," although he says "(though I doubt if it does much for the arts and sciences)", and he is proud that he has the men's respect. Numbered in pencil "17." Written at Camp Hamilton.
GLC03696.09