Franklin: John Smith to unknown, March 22 1863
Summary:
Smith asks if his grandmother might send some money and mentions that he heard his
family was well. He also mentions a recent cavalry raid, noting that he missed it
because he was on guard duty. Finally, Smith sends his regards to Leah
Brame--recently married--and he admits that he wishes she was still single (he finds
solace in the fact that her sisters still may be).
March 22 nd 1863
Camp of the 16th Pennsylvania Cavalry
Dear Friends
I received your letter 20
th
of this Month and I was very glad to hear from you all
and [deleted: s]
[deleted: and] and still well and hardy and I hope these few lines will
find you enjoying the same health and happiness and further I will write you this
letter but whether you will get it [illeg.] not for
I have no post stamp but I hope you will get it and if not it's no great loss but I tell you soldiers have to do the best way they can
there is A great many ways getting through the [unclear: world]
[page 2]
but if A body has [unclear: money] he can always
get along better and you said that Grandmother would send me some if knowed I would
get it I don't like to as for money but indeed it would come
very handy and if she will send me a little money I'll
run the risk of it going lost
And further I will let you know that our Cavalry made A
successful raid across the Rappahannock our Regiment was in the fight but I wasn't
[unclear: in] I was left on guard but I suppose you seen it in the paper; so
it's no use in me telling you further I had A letter from
home yesterday and
[page 3]
they are all well and they have Meeting tomorrow and I am very sorry to
hear that Leah Brame is Married I thought would get her
after the war is over but that's all nothing now Oh well old
Brame has A few more perhaps I can get one of them yet and if you see her [deleted: th] tell her that I wish her all the luck the world can afford well she done very well to get
A man these times I thought the young men was all in the army
So I think I will close for this hoping the war may soon
be over and I can come and see you
[page 4]
So no more at this present [deleted: ] time hoping these few lines may find you
all in good health so give my best respects to all who
inquires
from your affectionate friend
John Smith
Direct
John Smith
Co. [illeg.] 16th
Pennsylvania
Cavalry Washington
D.C.
Answer soon
