Augusta County: Letitia Berry to Thomas M. Smiley, June 6, 1861
Summary:
Discusses troop mobilization, women's sewing for the troops, and communities' divisions over
the war.
Mr Thomas Smiley Presents
Thomas M. Smiley
June 6th 1861
Dear Cousin Thomas
I have just finished a letter to Cousin Jimmie and will endeavor to drop a few lines to you
although I fear they will not interest you as I have not much news to communicate to you We are
all tolerably well except John he has not gotten entirely well yet has not worked any but one
day he gave out and has not tried it again. Your fathers folks were well this morning father
saw Cousin Billie in Newport. Capt Curries Company started
yesterday I was in Middlebrook when they passed they all looked very lively went to Staunton in
wagons, there was about twenty wagons I think. They were very well fixed, the best of any of
the comapanies from about here, had their tents, knapsacks
canteens and almost every thing necessary for a soldier, the
ladies have been sewing for them in Brownsburg for two week about sixty there every days and
five sewing machines. We have been sewing for you all this week in middlebrook made 61 pants,
your tents started to day I do not know whether the pants went or not.
I wish you were here to go in our bible class it is hard I tell but we will have to study the
harder we have it in the cession room now severals of the class have
gone to the army but it is still increasing have from thirty to thirty five,
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Mr. Junkin is to preach at newport Sunday evening I wish you could
be there to hear him. Hugh Beard has come home. got home last saturday; he is a good-deal
fleshier than he was when he went away; his mother did'nt know him I
believe; but I think he has not changed scarcely at all. He says the Missourians a fighting
among themselves about half are for the north & half for the south. The Militia has got
orders to hold themselves in readiness They are looking for a call daily. and what will become
of the rest of us if they are taken away. There was word came yesterday that the Lincolnites
were to be in Lexington last night, & the home guards all gathered up their guns and
started up there last evening and when they got as far as Brownsburg they found it was a false
report. Well I will stop for I know you will be tired reading this scribbling. Please write
soon for we are anxious to hear from you All send their love to you. Give my respects to
inquiring friends not excepting yourself.
I remain your Cousin.
Letitia Berry
