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
AugustasCoty.
Dear Friend
it is with mutch pleasure that I imbrace
the presant opportunity of answering your most wellcom letter that I recd on the 15 instant I was glad
to here that you was well and geting
a long well. I had rather Cum to the
Conclusion that you had forgotten your promis
a bout writing but I believe that you air a man
of truth. what has becum of Jas Mc I hav not
hird from him sence he left. I would be glad
to here from you all oftan. Well Thomas I
Suppose you was in the last battle that Jack had with the yankees how
did you com out was you hirt or not
[page 2]
I hav had no Correct news from the Companey
Sence the Battle. I hird that Baylor and
Bowers was killed I am truly Sorry that it is too true I hird that
the was Sum three or four wounded but Could
not learn who the
wair except [unclear: John Gabboit]
the is so meny reports going that we cant tell
what is Correct. you Say that you hird that I am to be married this
fall I think Sir you hav
bene misinformed about that matter but I unly
hope it may be true if it Should be the case I Sirtenly will take
Pleasure in Sending you Sum of the Cake but I fear that the is no Sutch good luck as that the Girls all
want to wait untile the war is over if that be the Case I dont think
that I will Stand mutch chance. Well Thomas I dont think I hav
eny news to tell you at this time the is a
grate deal of Sickness in the naborhood you Can here of a deth most
evry day
[page 3]
I was at Church to day Saw your Father
and Sister thay
wair well I tell you I Saw Sum
mite Pretty Girls John R Berys hav
gon to the springs. I want to goe a day or too
ef I Can wish you was here to goe with me Billey is
geting along tolarble well he has a
verry bad Cold and Cuf but his wound is doing
verry well he Cant bair
eny
waight on it yet Billy Lucas Billy Fulton Jas Brown is here this
eavning to See him. I will hav to Stop
Scribling for this time hope you will excuse all mistakes Pleas write sune and give me all the news Give my
best Love to all the boys and resirve a larg portion for your Self. I remain your sincear friend
I remain your sincear friend
J.C. McKerry
