1862/9/31

Smith, David V.M., 1823-1863

Autograph letter signed

Title: 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 whiskey in the camp, asserts that he does not drink. He forlornly speaks of recent family troubles: "you state in your letter that all our misfortunes was brought on by myself which I think is not the case but if it is so it is much better to forgive the past if it cannot be forgot [sic] . . . ." Written from Camp Johnson.

GLC04189.04

1862/10/2

Smith, David V.M., 1823-1863

Autograph letter signed

Title: 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 not write enough, he states that he sent an number of letters, "[B]ut I see you are just like you used to be that is you must have something to find fault off [sic] but I take it all in good part . . . ." He hopes she will eventually receive the letters.

GLC04189.05

1862/10

Smith, David V.M., 1823-1863

Autograph letter signed

Title: 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. Such a letter may help him get a longer furlough. Turning to family matters, Smith beseeches his wife to forget the "Rum Business." He writes "You need not lay it all to Rum for the very morning that I enlisted you know what was done and you also know that I did not want to enlist . . . ."

GLC04189.07

1862/10/5

Smith, David V.M., 1823-1863

Autograph letter signed

Title: 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 including wearing a barrel and a sign while parading through camp to the Rogue's March.

GLC04189.08

1863/9/14

Smith, David V.M., 1823-1863

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his family

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