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Smith, Asa, fl. 1861-1862 to sister

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC03696.06 Author/Creator: Smith, Asa, fl. 1861-1862 Place Written: Hampton, Virginia Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 17 November 1861 Pagination: 4 p. : Height: 20.2 cm, Width: 12.7 cm Order a Copy

He writes that he heard southern regiments mutinied by Norfolk when they were not allowed to go to the defense of their states and said they would only fight under "the stars and stripes." A hard-of-hearing Union sergeant was accidentally shot by his own sentry when he failed to respond to the cry. He hopes he will be ordered to Beaufort. He reports that German scouts saw "2000 rebels" nearby and says if the Confederates attack Newport News, "they will get awfully whipped." The chaplain saw Senators Mason and Slidell. The men badly need new pants. Smith received letters from Wallace and others. Numbered in pencil "25." Written at Camp Hamilton.

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