Augusta County: Thomas M. Smiley to His Aunt, January 23, [1863]
Summary:
Discusses winter camp and thanks his aunt for a package.
Aunt
Jan 23
Camp Winder
Dear Aunt
I take my pen in hand to write you a few lines to let you know that I am well & hope
that when these lines come to hand they may find you enjoying the same blessing I received your
letter and the Cheese, Apples, & Caps, you sent by Mr Jarvis. I
am very much obliged to you for sending them The caps I gave to those who were worst
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off. there is no bareheaded men in our part of the army The most
of the men have good hats or caps. This week has been very disagreeable raining almost every
day. I suppose it is snow with you as it is much warmer here than in the Valley. We are very comfortably situated now the men all have cabins or tents with
chimneys on which we do our cooking. I think that as long as the weather keeps bad we will have
the priviledge of remaining in our quarters as the roads are too
bad for the moving of an army There is a good many troops going from here to North Carolina but
they are altogether North Carolina troops
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We have a Courthouse &
Church built and some of the men are now building a Theatre It will be finished in a few days I
suppose As I have nothing of any interest to write you I will close by asking you to excuse all
mistakes and write soon
Give my love to all inquiring friends & receive a large share yourself from your affectionate nephew
Thomas M Smiley
