Augusta County: Mary A. Smiley to Thomas M. Smiley, May 7, 1861
Summary:
Mary Smiley discusses the departure pro-union minister, mobilization of troops, and civilian
response to war effort.
Brother
Tuesday May 7th 1861
Cedar _____
Dear Brother
I suppose you will be glad to hear from home once and a while so I seat mySelf this evening to write you a few lines though I really don't know what to say. that you will think is of any importance so I will just write what I would like to know and hear were I away from home We have had no letters from you since Wednesday we expected to get one yesterday but there was no mail came for Newport and we will feel very much disappointed if we do not get a letter and our paper today. I reckon you don't have any newspapers to read in camp though I expect you hear news enough but it may be like it is here the one half need not be believed and the other half is no better We are all well at present and getting along as well as can be expected and I believe the boys folks are all well, as far as I know, that went from about here.
Dr Junkin preached at Providence Sunday his last sermon there I expect I believe he said he was coming to preach to the rebels so I have heard. He had to resign at the college on account of his union sentiments and he has started for Philadelphia this morning. He still goes for the union. I expect he will go through Harpers ferry so if you watch you will maybe get a sight of them. I believe he expected to go all the way in his carriage Mr Junkin has removed our bible class to the session room he must have got tired of us at his house I am getting along very well. I never miss answering more than three of my questions Schools have nearly all stopped there is none at Newport Miss Wright has an article out for there I believe. Mr Kirf has been here to see about schools and if he couldn't get any (what do you think ) to board here two or three months but that was no go I declare I hate the old fellow worse than ever.
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The Brownsburg troop has not started yet their order to start was countermanded and they are simply ordered to hold themselves
in readiness. The Brownsburg ladies have been making tents for the troop I suppose there is no
chance for this to go today so I will leave off and see [deleted: what] if anything new turns up. Thursday. Had company yesterday Mag &
Tish Berry came down. Charlie & Billie were here helping to plant corn. Billie stayed at Beards but Charlie went home I dont know how they found out when
we were going to plant. Jackie East George Almarode Charlie & Billie are helping They
expect to get done before the middle of the day. Jackie got our horses and plows and is going
to put in a piece of that field that they talked of. We received
your letter yesterday a week from we had had any You speak of your regiment probably leaving
for Staunton. I wish it would come but everything almost works
by the rules of contrariness. Why don't
two of you stand guard together at least on the mountain. One might fall over some of the precipices or be killed and no one near to know anything about it. How does housekeeping go You always thought at home it was very
easy work & I reckon you know a little about it now. I suppose you will be boss
cook and washer I believe there is not much
news in Augusta except of a military or personal character though Augusta has done pretty well
in sending soldiers sent 1200, companies are still being formed. Mrs. Jim Callison has gone
crazy about the war has been taken to the hospital. It is terrible times. there appears to be
nothing left but war. great preparations are being made at the north it is just raving for war.
You wish the people from Newport would go to see how you are getting along. I tell you they
think they may have to go soon enough without being in the least hurry I would not be much
surprised though if someone would go
but I will not tell who for if he does not you will all be disappointed Would you like to get home if you could get away. honorably Billie Beard
has heard that there is such a piece in the papers as that minors can
come home if their parents or guardians wanted them. Our papers has a piece but it does not mean that. but if there is any truth in what he heard would you
like to come Mrs Morrison came from Christiansburg to get her
son off and if he had been gone would have gone on to harpers ferry after him and taken him
home The Doctor had got him a horse and uniform and he was right in for going. How are you
doing about money if you want some more write about it and we will send some if we have any
chance if we have any I have heard that you don't hear anything
scarcely in camp is it allowed to send newspapers if it is and you
want them we will send you some Will you be discharged in three months at farthest and sooner
if not needed you did not say whether you would be at the end of that time or not. Pa has
written a letter and sent by mail tell whether you got it or not he directed it as you named
before and I shall direct this as you named last I wish they would have a way to direct and
then keep it A person might write and then before the letter would get there have a different
way Did you receive the letter that Aunt Ellen sent & the provisions we did not know
that there was a box of provisions to your until after it was gone I
suppose I will have to do like you ask you excuse all the mistakes in this as [deleted: you] will see there is a great many. Write Soon
From your affectionate sister
Mary A. Smiley.
P/S/ I suppose you will think letter paper is scarce and so it is in this home
