Augusta County: J. C. McKerry to Thomas M. Smiley, August 17,
1862
Summary:
McKerry writes about news at home such as illnesses. He dismisses the rumor he is getting
married. The Jack he refers to in letter is Stonewall Jackson.
Thomas M. Smiley
August 17th 1862
AugustaCounty
Dear Friend
it is with much pleasure that I embrace
the present opportunity of answering your most welcome letter that I received on the 15 instant I was glad
to hear that you was well and getting
along well. I had rather Come to the
Conclusion that you had forgotten your promise
about writing but I believe that you are a man
of truth. what has become of Jas Mc I have not
heard from him since he left. I would be glad
to hear from you all often. Well Thomas I
Suppose you was in the last battle that Jack had with the yankees how
did you come out was you hurt or not
[page 2]
I have had no Correct news from the Company
Since the Battle. I heard that Baylor and
Bowers was killed I am truly Sorry that it is too true I heard that
there was Some three or four wounded but Could
not learn who they
were except [unclear: John Gabboit]
there is so many reports going that we cant tell
what is Correct. you Say that you heard that I am to be married this
fall I think Sir you have
been misinformed about that matter but I only
hope it may be true if it Should be the case I certainly will take
Pleasure in Sending you Some of the Cake but I fear that there is no Such good luck as that the Girls all
want to wait until the war is over if that be the Case I dont think
that I will Stand much chance. Well Thomas I dont think I have
any news to tell you at this time there is a
great deal of Sickness in the neighborhood you Can hear of a death most
every day
[page 3]
I was at Church today Saw your Father
and Sister they
were well I tell you I Saw Some
mighty Pretty Girls John R Berys have
gone to the springs. I want to go a day or two
if I Can wish you was here to go with me Billey is
getting along tolerable well he has a
very bad Cold and Cough but his wound is doing
very well he Cant bear
any
weight on it yet Billy Lucas Billy Fulton Jas Brown is here this
evening to See him. I will have to Stop
Scribbling for this time hope you will excuse all mistakes Please write soon and give me all the news Give my
best Love to all the boys and reserve a large portion for your Self. I remain your sincere friend
I remain your sincere friend
J.C. McKerry
