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to Elizabeth Smith
1862/9/26
Smith, David V.M., 1823-1863
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
1862/9/31
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
1862/10/2
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
[Certificate of David V. M. Smith]
1862/10/4
Moore, W. Henry, fl. 1862
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
1862/10
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
1862/10/5
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
1862/10/11
He expects to leave for home in a few days. Page 3 and 4 are addressed to Charles.
GLC04189.10
to unknown [fragment]
1862/10/13
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 David Sithen or Thomas Sharp
1862/10/21
Sutton, George S., fl. 1862
Gives permission for D. V. M. Smith's wife to have a cord of wood.
GLC04189.12
1862/10/28
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 & children
1862/11/4
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 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
1862/11/11
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
1862/11/25
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 his family
1863/9/14
He has turned in his gun and reported to the doctor. He rode in an ambulance to Culpeper. He mentions the capture of two guerrillas and adds that "woman & children & negroes packed up & left for parts unknown."
GLC04189.55
to mother
1865/2/6
Walbridge, Charles E., 1842-?
He thinks the rebellion will be over by the 4th of July. Reminisces about friends and playing in the snow. Leon must return to his regiment. Confederate peace commissioners came into Union lines while Confederate bands played patriotic union songs...
GLC04662.092
1865/2/24
The capture of Wilmington and Fort Anderson. Worries that Beauregard and Lee will join forces. Many southerners are deserting into union lines and even more are simply going home. He has been ordered to the Department of the South. Describes the...
GLC04662.093
1865/2/29
He has no news to relate. Is anxiously awaiting news about Sherman. The Richmond papers will not print anything about Sherman's march because they do not want to reveal any information the North might not know.
GLC04662.094
1865/3/9
He is looking forward to the end of the war so he can find employment. He writes that he can give a family friend a job as a driver for $30 a month plus rations.
GLC04662.096
1865/3/12
He writes to announce his commission as a brevet major.
GLC04662.097
1865/3/24
The quartermaster is buying the arms of Confederates who have deserted. Walbridge advises his mother on financial affairs.
GLC04662.098
1865/3/31
Order to be the quartermaster of General Turner's division at Wilmington, N.C. His employees at Bermuda Hundred gave him a watch and a chair as a going away present. Written on board steamer "Transit."
GLC04662.099
1865/04/05
He is now Chief Quartermaster of the 10th Army Corps, which gives him the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. Leon is also stationed at Wilmington.
GLC04662.100
1865/5/12
Mr. Pratt has offered to help George and Walbridge start their own business in Chicago. Walbridge announces he will stay in the army for a few months.
GLC04662.102
1865/05/20
Quick note sent with a check for $100.
GLC04662.103
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