![[Thomas M. Smiley?], University of Virginia](../../images/portraits/smileythomas.jpg)
Possibly a photograph of Thomas M. Smiley
from the Special Collections of the University of Virginia.
Mary Smiley writes to her brother, requesting longer letters describing his life in camp. Smiley recounts happenings at home, including the formation a home guard to protect against "negroes" and "mean whites," and gives her brother instructions on maintaining his health. Thomas Smiley's mother adds a note at the end of the letter exhorting him to put his faith in God.
Ellen Martin admonishes her nephew to prepare for the afterlife by accepting Jesus Christ. She also mentions that community members plan to send food and clothes to the soldiers.
William Smiley discusses plowing and related farm activities and the mobilization of area troops.
Mary Smiley discusses the departure pro-union minister, mobilization of troops, and civilian response to war effort.
Thomas M. Smiley discusses the excellent lodging for soldiers in Harpers Ferry, arrival of additional troops, and construction of fort.
Discusses parents visit to cousins, marriage in neighboring town, and troop mobilization.
Discusses political sentiment of the community and the coming election. Reports rumor of blacks killing whites.
Discussion of mobilization, national election, and civilian division over secession. Describes women's sewing activities for the troops.
C. Smiley discusses tents and other items being sent to the regiment by the community women. She admonishes her son to accept Jesus Christ and expresses concern over the outbreak of measles in his camp.
Advises nephew to commit to Christ and advance himself by learning good horsemanship and the various duties of officers. Discusses mobilization at home.
In this letter to Thomas M. Smiley, Ellen Martin describes recent events and encourages him to take an active part in religion.
Discusses troop mobilization, women's sewing for the troops, and communities' divisions over the war.
William Smiley discusses a rumor of battle at Bath, mobilization of local troops, the oat crop, etc.
Discusses the mobilization of area troops, women making tents and clothes for the troops, and President Davis' declaration of a day of fast.
Discusses the general war excitement in the area, remaining union sentiment, and union army advances.
Discusses war sentiments, remaining unionism, skirmish at Martinsburg, union advances at Winchester and Charleston. Concerned about his bout with the measles in camp.
Discusses mobilization of militias and volunteers, exemptions, skirmishes, and Manassas.
Discusses details regarding the battle of Manassas.
Discusses regiment's movement to Centerville to counter union troops movements toward Fairfax Court House.
Discusses weather conditions and prices in Camp, day of fasting, camp preacher, and possibility of winter camp at Winchester.
Discusses marching and skirmishing around in the Martinsburg area. Complains about the lack of provisions during a march.
In this letter to her son Thomas, C. Smiley writes of Thomas' recent illness and the increasing interest in religion displayed among neighbors. In addition, she implores him to connect himself with the church and trust in God.
Discusses home front news including church news and individuals home on leave.
Discusses news from the home front including attending a patriotic rally and sewing secession flags. She also comments on unionists in the area.
In this letter Annie R. Berry voices her opinion that everyone capable needs to fight against the United States and sends her love to Thomas and several friends within his company.
Thomas M. Smiley describes troop movements in the mountains of Morgan County during bad weather and a brief confrontation with Yankees at the county seat, Bath. They are moving towards winter quarters.
Smiley describes winter camp and expects to be there until spring. The weather is still bad and men are on furlough.
Smiley discusses troop movement through the Valley on the way to winter camp. Describes the town of Romney after it was sacked and burned by the Yankees, including torture of a civilian.
Thomas M. Smiley describes troop movements and battles in Winchester, Yorktown, and Corinth, TN. He discusses bad weather, illness in camp, and election of officers.
Thomas M. Smiley describes steady movement of his regiment over a period of days. He thinks they are moving toward Mannassas again.
Thomas M. Smiley discusses picket duty and furlough.
Mary discusses family and farm matters, including the harvest and mill operation.
Mary Smiley writes to her brother about family and farm matters.
Thomas M. Smiley discusses logistical matters involving regiment's movement east of the Valley, like ration shortages.
Thomas M. Smiley writes that Union forces are near Orange County Court House and his regiment, part of 50,000 soldiers, have been ordered to move. He also discusses illness in camp and prisoner exchange.
Lettie R. Smiley worries about the troops moving in the heat, and discusses local news including hay harvest, milling, church sermons, illnesses, and a case of mistaken desertion.
J. C. 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 winter camp on Valley Turnpike near Winchester. It is snowing and they are waiting for their tents. He asks about a rumored wedding back home.
Tells stories of neighbors in battle and conditions at the home front since the militia was called up.
Enclosed secession badge made by author for recipient to wear.
Discusses Stuart's movement around the enemy, Christmas fare in camp, cost of food in camp, and the brigade's losses in 1862.
Discusses winter camp and thanks his aunt for a package.
In this letter to his sister, Thomas M. Smiley discusses his illness, his inability to visit at home, and the Army of Virginia's mobilization efforts and search for deserters.
Writing from hospital, states he expects to leave shortly for camp.
Thomas M. Smiley describes for his sister his participation in the battle of Chancellorsville in which he was slightly wounded. He also mentions the amputation of Stonewall Jackson's arm.
Description of the authors experience at the Battle of Chancellorsville.
Thomas M. Smiley writes to his aunt about the care of wounded in hospitals and by the local civilian population. Comments on fortifications in anticipation of battle and compare militia versus volunteers.
Discusses improving health within the company, troop buildup, possible movement towards Fairfax Courthouse, and prices within the camp.
Thomas M. Smiley discusses camp life activities.
Thomas M. Smiley relates to his father activities in camp, including the execution of ten soldiers from North Carolina for desertion.
Discusses break in the skirmishing with Union troops and the death of soldier from home. Thanks Aunts for package from home.
Smiley describes life in winter camp and the build up of Lee's army.
In this letter, A.V.L. Miller informs his friends that he is sending them some money and a package. In addition, he asks that they write him with news from home.
In this letter to Thomas M. Smiley, William S. Hopkins discusses the extent of aid he can give to those confederate prisoners who write him.
In this letter William S. Hopkins informs Thomas M. Smiley of a package being sent to him and asks that Smiley share the food being sent with Mr. C. D. Anderson, another prisoner of war.
In this letter Mary A. Smiley informs her brother of the death of a fellow soldier and friend.
In this letter to Thomas M. Smiley, Emily Hull discusses a recent robbery of her home and questions Thomas on the reality of camp life.
In this letter to his father, Thomas M. Smiley describes his situation at Fort Delaware and asks that his family write him often.
this letter to her brother, Mary A. Smiley discusses the health of those at home, the lack of mail from her brother, and the status of the county's volunteer companies for the Army of Northern Virginia.
this letter Emily Hull describes life on the home front and discusses a book which suggests that the war is the beginning of the millennium and that the "Anti-Christ" will arise to reign either during or after the conflict.
In this letter to Thomas M. Smiley, Mattie Hull discusses family and events at home and in Virginia.
In this letter to Thomas M. Smiley, Emily Hull describes her family's new home and the events going on in their lives. In addition, she discusses the death of President Lincoln and reaffirms her constant faith in the southern cause.
Return to the War Years Personal Papers
