Augusta County: Thomas M. Smiley to Mary A. Smiley, August 23,
[1863]
Summary:
Discusses improving health within the company, troop buildup, possible movement towards
Fairfax Courthouse, and prices within the camp.
[page 1]
Miss Mary A Smiley
Moffetts
Creek
Augusta County
Virginia
Mary A. Smiley
August 23rd
Camp Harmon
Dear Sister
I seat myself this morning to write you a few lines for the purpose of informing you that I
am well and that camp life has agreed with me very well since my long absence there is but very
little sickness in our company now A S Craig is sick with the fever he is very bad it was
thought that he would not live but he has gotten better now Jim Payne is sick also but nothing
more than weakness. we are camped in a very pretty place now good
water and plenty to eat the water is about a half mile away. I do not know how long we may stay
as there is some stir in camp this morning some report that the enemy are advancing but I think
that there is nothing of it We may possibly have to move nearer to the enemy toward Fairfax
Courthouse but not for a few days yet. Beaureguard has in his
army about 120,000 men or at least there is rations drawn for that many it will take a great
deal to feed them at the rate we are fed
[page 2]
Our company is gaining in numbers rapidly now 4 recruits having
come before i got here by name Buchanan Golady Wright and James Beard a cousin of Jacky Beard
there was six come two days ago two Bartly's two Lotts Palmer and
Lucas they seem to like the life pretty well
David Clemmer came here last night on a visit and brought a lot of eatables as far as the
Junction he says there is a package there for me Vegetables is
chiefly what he brought. roasting ears are selling here at 30
cents
per dozen milk 5 cents a quart butter 25 cents per pound honey 50 cents a pound Soda $2.00 a pound and
last of all Whiskey is selling at two dollars a pint making a gallon come to 16 dollars. let me
know whether my money has come to hand yet or not as the captain thinks word ought to be here
by this time. We have some great times making bread yesterday was my cook day I got through
pretty well Sam Beard is making Bread now while I am writing we get
pretty good Bread considering who has it to make but I must close as
I have not much news to communicate
nothing more but remain as ever your brother
Thomas M. Smiley
Direct to Manassas Junction
