Camp Wickliffe, Ky., Letters of Pvt. Sam T. Smith, 15th Indiana Volunteer Infantry Regiment

January 28, 1862
Camp Wickliffe, Kentucky
Mrs. Smith,
Dear Wife:

I am thankful that I can sit down to write to you to let you know that Iam well at present hoping when these few lines come to hand they may find you enjoying the same blessing. I recieved your letter dated January 234d which made me glad. I am glad to hear from you often. You wanted to know of me if I had to drill when I was sick. I have never missed a drill yet for I have not been so sick but what I could do duty when I was called upon. The boys either have to drill or got to the doctor and be excused which I never have had to do yet but don't know how soon I may have to go there. I hope not soon because that is not very pleasant. As for the boots for Pete I wrote an order in a letter that I wrote to you for him to make just such a pair as me made me but you certainly did not get the letter. But I will write a letter to him and send with this and you can give it to him. The boots that were sent to me I have not got yet and I am afraid that I will not get them. I can't get a letter from Leon to know anything about them. I need them and would like to have them for I don not like to loose the pay for them and not get them or I would not have sent for them. You said that you had understood that we had moved from where we are but that is a mistake and I don't know when we will move and don't care. I was sorry to hear that you had to quit going to school for I am anxious that you should learnto write letters for yourself and also to read the same that I send you. I know that you can learn if you will try.

You said that you had heard that there had been a battle at Somorset but it was not there but was about three miles from that place. I was very glad hear that myself to hear that old PUlaski is cleaned out and to hear that the Old Devil Yolicoffer was killed. It may look bad for a man to be glad to hear of the death of a man but it does me good to hear of the death of a traiter. I will think that he got a traiter's death which I think that was a great many of thatm will get before this war is over. Well Lizzie you can see that I will soon have to quit. You must do the best you can and if I cannot get my boots I will have to do without them. Give my respects to all enquiring friends and relation. So no more at present, I remain your huband until death, write soon,

Signed: S.T. Smith.

Camp Wickliffe, Ky., Letters of Pvt. Sam T. Smith, 15th Indiana Volunteer Infantry Regiment

January 17, 1862
Camp Wickliffe
Larue County, Kentucky

Mrs. Smith, Dearest Companion:

I am well as could be expected however I am not sick but feel like I would like to have a little rest. I received your letter of the 11th of January. I was glad to hear from you as I am glad to hear from you any time. You said that you had heard that we had the smallpox in the Regiment. I suppose that such is the case but I can't tell for there are so many tales in Camp I can't tell when to believe the truth. We have all been vaccinated. I had the matter put into my arm and it made a right smart sore but is now about well. Pete has a tolerable sore arm yet. You said that you were going to start my boots the day after you wrote to me, but I have not got them yet but I think I will pretty soon, if they were directed right which I suppose they were. They would be very acceptable as it is a little muddy at times but not so muddy as it was in Virginia, which is the last place that I want to go to again. As far as taking care of myself if I get the small pox that I will try to do. I don't think that if I were to take it that it would be very hard with me provided I could take care of myself as I had a good sore from vaccination. However, there is no telling. And your likeness I want certain as soon as possible. You said that you dreamed that Dock Beard hugged you. That may be the case for what I know and if it should be the case it would be no difference if I did not know it. As for dreaming I have not dreamed of you but once or twice since I left home. You might suppose that I do not think of you often but God bless your soul. I don't dream of you but you are in my mind all the time. There is not one hour in the day nor night when I am awake but what I think of you and the children. You said that you had started to school to learn to write so that you can write your own letters. That suits me very well. If you have money to pay your school bill and you will try to learn, I know that you can learn if you will try. See how soon you can write me a letter with your own fingers. Now is the chance for you to learn. I want you to make those drawers that I spoke to you about making in a letter that you have in your possession at this time probably that is if Leon makes those boots for Pete so that you can send them together and if you think that you can make them and get them to me. Make them and send them anyhow I want you to. How much money do you have on hand or whether any or not and how long you think it will last. We have not drawn our pay yet which I think is time. I want to know something about the wood whether you have enough to do you through the winter and whether it is paid for or not. I was in the hopes that I could get a letter from Mr. Helmer so that he could tell me all about, but it seems as thought I will not get one from him. Lizzie I want you to keep everything strait. The boys that you are acquainted with I think are well. Lieut. Dean is well. Give my respects to all friends and relation. Tell Abe that it is not much use for me to write to him as he can read your letters and get all the news that I have. Write no more at present but I remain your husband until death,

Signed: Sam T. Smith

Camp Wickliffe, Ky., Letters of Pvt. Sam T. Smith, 15th Indiana Volunteer Infantry Regiment

January 15, 1862
Camp Wickliffe, Kentucky

Mrs. Smith:

Dear Wife Through the kind mercies of God I am permitted to write you a few lines which leaves me enjoying good health and I hope when these few lines come to hand they may find you well and doing well. I received your letter which was dated the 9th which made me glad to hear from to know that you are well. You wanted me not to say anything to Short about the price of port that you bought of him. I have said nothing about it nor did not intend to either but I thought he would let you have it some cheaper. You said that you had not had your likeness taken yet. I am anxious to get that if you get it taken before Leon gets those boots made send it by mail. If you have it taken about the time he gets ready to send them send it with the boots. I wrote in the last letter for you to send me two pair of drawers which I want you to send them without fail. I also wrote to know how much money you had. I expect we will draw our pay in a few days. The talk is that we will get it tomorrow but I don't think so but there is no telling. I know one thing, I don't care how soon I get mine. Lieutenant Dean is in tolerable health at present. He is not as well as he has been sometime before. We are having some old Virginia as it is raining today. It has not rained seven days in each week and one day as yet. We had some snow Tuesday night. The snow was about two inches deep. I came the nearest to having nothing to write you that I ever saw. That is I mean something of interest. I could sit down and write tales that I hear and fill a dozen sheets but that would be of no interest to you. If you knew as much about Camp Tales as I do. Lizzie I want you to do the best you can. Send me the socks, drawers and your likeness. Tell Leon to hurry and make them boots if he doesn't have them made by the time you get this letter. I expect that if you get this letter before he sends them boots he had better pay the expressage and direct them to New Haven so I will come to a close. Give my respects to all friends and relation, I remain your husband until death, Write soon.

Signed: S.T. Smith

Camp Wickliffe, Ky., Letters of Pvt. Sam T. Smith, 15th Indiana Volunteer Infantry Regiment

January 1, 1862
Camp Wickliffe,
Larue County, Kentucky

Mrs. Elizabeth Smith:

I am well at present hoping when these few lines come to your hands they may find you enjoying the same blessings. I recieved your letter Monday night dated the 20th of December. I was very glad to hear from you. I recieved the lock of hair that you sent me which pleased me very much and the letters that my children so dear sent me. You wanted to know of me if I wanted any mittens. I can tell you that I don't need them as I have a good pair of gloves. I paid just two dollars for them let them be good or bad I would like for you to knit me two pairs of socks and send me if you have the materials, as the socks that I get here are not worth much of any thing. I brought one pair the other day of old Kentucky knit. I paid twenty five cents for them. You also wanted to know whether I had warm clothes or whether I needed any bed cloths. The cloths that Sam is wearing at present is warm enough for the weather so far and as for the blankets I have plenty of them at least as many as I can manage. I have two that will weigh about six pounds each, and those I have to pack on my back. The next cloths that I get will be some heavier. We have had some of the finest weather here that I ever saw for this time of year. We had a little snow on Sunday night after we got to Louisville. It lay on the ground one or two days and then we had fair weather all the time except a little squall and cool nights. It is not here like it was in Virginia. Sun shines every day in a week and one day of week it rained in Virginia. We have good tents. They are about fifteen feet wide at the bottom and about the same high end right around and so arrainged that we can have a fire in them and keep warm. It looks some like rain today and it is warm and pleasant. I expect we will have some bad weather I guess. I known that just because you have cold wather there is no sign that we will have the same. Lizzie you said that you had a very nice time at Christmas. So did I standing guard though if I can call that nice. I would like to have been there with you. You said that you women all flocked together like a flock of geese and talked about your men that had gone to war. Lizzie I would like to be somewhere there when you were all talking so you did not know that I was there for awhile I guess you can't flock with Miss Chaney but perhaps I may guess wrong, if I do you can tell me. You said that you had plenty to eat and to ware. I am glad to hear that for I have plenty myself with the exception of some rare times. I would not like to have plenty to eat myself and my family at home suffering for want of something to eat. It is bad enough to be away from them and to know that they are doing well. Lizzie I want you to have your picture taken and send it to me as soon as you can. I wrote to Leon to make me a pair of boots and send to me. Tell him to make them without fail and to make them on his Stoga tens. Don't fail to tell him and tell him to put them up forthwith as I don't know how long we will stay here. I am satisfied that he will not loose anything by so doing. Lizzie I think I am as hearty as I ever was and it would do you good if you were here to watch me eat. Uncle Sam's biscuits, such as the one I sent Leon, and that was a good one, to some that I have eaten. I will write more on another sheet. (next page missing) by of him let him go to Texas and pay your moment to someone that you think will not swindle you because they have the chance. For I want the money that I send home to do you some good or else I will not send it. I earned it hard and when I get it and send it home it is harder for men to swindle you out of it because they can. You wanted me to tell him about it the next time I wrote to him. I don't know whether I will or not. You said that you would not have the money to spare to pay Worley. If you don't have it to spare don't pay him but manage to pay Mr. Helmer for the wood that he has hauled for you as I represented him to furnish you the wood, and he said he should have the money for it and I want to be as good as my word. You said that there was nothing strange happened but you would like to see me. It would be very pleasant if we could if we could see each other. I want you to tell me something about Sarah. I have not heard any thing of her for sometime and give her my bet wishes. I will not get to be at home Christmas but I will (be?) some where I guess. I would like to be there if I would come, but however it will do some other time. Well Lizzie I want you to have your picture taken while you are so fleshy if you have the chance. If there is not artist there go to Bedford get a good picture and send it to me by mail. Get some one to fix it up for you and postage will cost 12 or 15 cents. I will have to close. Give my respects to all friends that are friends in deed, I remain your husband:

Signed: Sam T. Smith

New Haven, Ky., Letters of Pvt. Sam Smith, 15th Indiana Volunteer Infantry Regiment, Civil War

December 15, 1861

New Haven, Kentucky

Dear Wife:

I am well at present hoping these few lines may find you enjoying the same blessing. I received your letter the other night by mail and one before that by the hands of T.C. Price. I was glad to hear that you were well. You said that if I would come home Christmas you would have a turkey. Such, howsoever, would suit me first rate, but no go as we are on the march for some unknown part to me. But one thing is certain we will go somewhere. I expect that we will meet General Buckner some of these days, but no telling. Lizzie I came the nearest having nothing to write that I saw, but if I was there I could tell you a few things that you don't know. You said that you had subscribed for some tomb stones and you like to know what I have to say about it. As far as I am concerned I have no objections. If you get the right kind and they don't cost too much. You said the price was six dollars. I cannot tell whether that will be too much, or not owing to the quality. I received a letter from Leon the other day. He says that you look better than you did when I left. I am pleased to learn that you are in so good health. Better that way then to be moping around like the dead lice was dropping off of you. I think that I will weight more now than I did when I left home. I weighed in Virginia 12 pounds more than I did when I left home. Lizzie hold up your head as though I was there. Sometime you know you would like for me to be there but live in hope. Give my respects to all enquiring friends and relation. Kiss Ellen and Joe for me. I remain your husband,

Signed: S.T. Smith

Near Louisville, Ky. On the Way to Missionary Ridge, Letters of Pvt. Sam Smith, 15th Indiana Volunteer Infantry Regiment

December 8, 1861
Camp Buell
Near Louisville, Ky.

Mrs. Smith:

I am well at present hoping these lines may find you well and doing well. You said that you were glad when you heard I was going to leave the mountains. You were no more pleased that I was. When I landed here things looked strange to me to see the sun when it raised. It was so low. We have fine weather here. At this time it looks more like summer now than it did in August in Virginia. Although it does look some like rain at this time. I received a letter from you and Abe yesterday which pleased me some, but I would have been better pleased if I could come home. But impossible at present. Lizzie I have very near looked my eyes out. I looked so steady for some folks from Springville, but they do not come. There were some folks from Martin County and Green County, and I think that some of the Springvillians might have come, but I think they have a pickarine to well. I don't know another reason. Give me a chance they have and see if I don't come and see them. Garett Browning is here today. I could name several that has been here. They thought enough of their friends. But if any wanted to come now it is too late as I understand that we are under marching orders tomorrow morning but where to I cannot tell, but it is somewhere South of here. They say that there are some Rebels there that we have to take a peep at. Doctor Pendley is at New Albany sick at the hospital, and I can't get a chance to go and see him. I received a letter from Short day before yesterday, which made me glad to get a letter any time, but I get very few of them. I am sure that I write more than I get answers to. I am glad that you got those apples and towels, but sorry that one of the packages of them was broke to pieces. It made me laugh when I heard that Ellen snatched the largest one and said that it was mine. Lizzie I want you to write me and tell me all about everything and if you have money to spare I want you to pay B. Worley five dollars. If you can't pay him that much pay him what you can and oblige me. But if you have none to spare keep it all for yourself. I will send money home as I draw it if an opportunity presents itself. Lizzie I want you to take good care of yourself and the children and let us live in a way so that if we never meet in this world again that we may meet in a better world where there is no trouble nor war but peace and happiness, no Rebels to oppose us or to raise with their arms against us. May the time come that they may be bound down hand and foot, but may the Stars and Strips wave over the land of the free and all over these United States. That all traitors may get what is due them. I will have to come to a close as I have not much room. Give my respects to all enquiring friends and relation. May God bless you all. Be of good Cheer as we don't know whether we will see each other soon and perhaps never but live in hope. I still remain your husband,
Signed: S.T. Smith to E. Smith

Louisville, Kentucky, on the way to Missionary Ridge, letters of Pvt. Sam T. Smith, 15th Indiana Volunteer Infantry

December 4, 1861
Louisville, Ky.

My Dearest Wife:

I am well at present hoping these few lines will find you enjoying the same. I received your letter dated November, ---- and was glad to hear from you. Only a part of our Regiment were sent here (several lines were so dim that they could not read). Lizzie those apples that I bought are for you; one for Joe, One for Ellen and the rest for you. Use them in any way that you want to. Give my regards to all enquiring friends and relation. Write your letters to me and be sure to spell out the State of Kentucky in full. I remain your husband until death separates us.

Signed: Samuel T. Smith to Elizabeth Smith

Huttenville, Virginia, on the way to Missionary Ridge, Civil War Letters of Pvt. Sam T. Smith, 15th Indiana Volunteer Infantry Regiment

November 18, 1861

Huttenville, Virginia

My Dear Companion:

I received your letter of the 11th yesterday which made me glad to hear from you, to hear that you and the children were well. I am well at this time hoping these few lines will find you enjoying the same blessing. We have some muddy weather. The mud is from three inches to one foot deep. The snow is about five inches deep. It is tolerable cold here and we (do not?) have our winter quarters yet and don't suppose that we will build any here. Some say that we will leave here tomorrow designated to Covington, Kentucky. I have heard many tales and I don't know whether we will leave here or not. I can tell my by ten O'Clock tomrorow. We will leave here tomorrow or next day. I think but will find out by waiting the result. You spoke about the man would fix a house for to live in if you would live in it. And you want to know what I think about it. I can say that I don't know what to think. You can tell whether it will suit you or not and as for the better. I can't tell what would be the best. If you think you can do any better you can try it. As far as I am concerned, be sure that it will be the best and that you can fare any better than you can in town and that you will have to be your own judge about that as far as my own say. I have not a word to day, so that you are satisfied, unless it will discomode Mr. Helmer as I wrote him to engage wood for you this winter and as to the money that I told you to let Phebe have if she don't need it nor won't have it you can keep it and I can pay the account to Pete myself that I received of him. I have not drawn any more money yet nor do I don't known when I will. If we leave here tomorrow it may be several days yet. Lizzie, If I were there you would be satisfied to live where you are but as I am not you can live where you thing you will be the best satisfied, but always look before you jump. Be sure that you don't jump into a ditch as one that is blind would do. Lizzie I am here and don't know where I will see you whether or not, but I must remain in the service as long as Uncle Sam has need of me. If I should live and keep well so that I am able to eat my shingles. If I ever come home I will bring a speciment of the bread that I have had to live upon sence I have been in Virginia. Pete is well and hardy and fleshy and is well and satisfied. Josh Brazelton and Leaner Dowell are still stick at the hospital. P.O. Greer is well and hardy. Nathe Unright and Davis are well and hearty.

Your husband, Sam Smith

Hublerville, Randolph County, Va., Civil War Letters of Pvt. Sam Smith, 15th Indiana Volunteer Infantry Regiment - On the Way to Missionary Ridge

October 30, 1861

Hublerville, Randolph Co., Va.

My Dearest Companion:

I recieved your letter dated the 20th of October, which gave me much satisfaction to hear from you. I am well at present and hope these few lines may find you well and doing well. I have just come in Camp off of the road. You spoke of being at Bill's stripping cane and that you had been sewing for money. Work will not hurt anyone if you do not work too hard. I think that you have got some money before this time so that you can get some wood and flour without working so hard but you need not quit working because I sent you some money. I sent you $20.00 to Milton Shorts by Express and I sent $20.000 to you by C.G. Barry that you will get in a day or two. I want you to let Phebe have $10 of that, and I will send you some more the first chance I will get. I will get two months pay pretty soon. I wrote to Mr. Helmer to get you your winter wood. You will save as much money as you can to pay for it. You say that Robersons called you a lair. Pay as little attention to them as possible. Conduct yourself in a way that everyone there can see whether you are a lair or not and if they keep throwing out their slang to you write me all about it and tell me what they say and I will see if I can hit them a dab or two. I don't think that liars were made until Robertson Family was made. Keep Joe away from them as you say they wanted you to do. I may be at home some time when they are not looking for me. They think that because I am here in Virginia that I will never be at home any more, that they can do as they please. While that might be the case but it is to be hoped for the better. I hope to see you some time before long and won't that be something nice. I would hate to be in Andy's place. That did look nice for a stay didn't it. Poor things. I feel sorry for them. Try and do a thing that they could not, and get caught at it besides that was a pity that is worse than I would do myself. Pete is well and hardy. Everything is quiet here at present. We are beginning to have some cold weather here, but not so cold but what we can sleep in our tents. I think that we will get out of here sometime but can't tell how long. I would like to be in a country where the sun can shine on us before noon. Lizzie I must come to close soon as I have not much room. I want you to do the best you can. Save your money to the best advantage. Give my love to who might enquire. Write soon, I remain your husband,

Signed: Samuel T. Smith to Elizabeth Smith.

On the way to Missionary Ridge, Letters of Private Sam T. Smith 15th Indiana Volunteer Infantry Regiment, in Berber County Virginia

October 27, 1861
Beverly,
Berber County, Virginia
My Dear Wife:

I take the opportunity to drop you a few lines to let you know that I am well at present hoping these few lines may find you enjoying the same blessing. I am about 18 miles from Camp with some others working the road and have been for 12 days and don't know how much longer we will be out yet and I don't care for we have plenty to eat and don't have to work very hard. Lizzie I sent $20.00 to you in treasury notes by express and I suppose that you have got by this time. I started $20 in gold by Charles G. Berry that you will get next week. I want you to see Phebe Smith and if she need some money let her have $10.00 and write and let me know whether she gets it or not. Pete is well and out on the road with us. I want you to take care of the money that I send you and not spend it for nothing only what you really need. I wrote a letter to Mr. Helmer the other day and told him to engage your winter's wood. I told him to engage 16 cord. I think he had better get 18. Tell him to not take it by the load but have it well corded either in the woods or at the wood pile. I think I can send you some more money soon. I have nothing of interest to write as there is no more on either side taking place. We are beginning to have some tolerable cold weather in Virginia. Not so cold that we suffer very much. I think that it will be so shortly. Lizzie I want to write often for I have not from you for some time. Write and tell me what has become of L.S. Smith. He certainly has gone up for 90 days as I can't hear from him. There is one thing certain, if he doesn't want to write to me he can let it alone. I wrote to him a good spell ago and if he did not et the letter, I can excuse him for not writing I have written all that I have for this time so I will come to a close. Give my respect to all enquiring friends and relation. Lizzie take care of yourself. Kiss Joe and Ellen for me. So nothing more at present, but I remain your husband until death,

Signed: Samuel T. Smith to Elizabeth Smith

P.S. Since writing the above, I recieved a letter from you which gave me some satisfaction. You said that you understood that I had nothing to eat, but I have plenty such as it is. What I have to eat will stick to the ribs and that is good enough. You said that Leon had written to me, but I have not recieved it nor the envelope, but I have plenty of them at this time. You said that if I would come home you would cook something for me to eat. That would suit Sam.you might guess. Pete said for you to let Phebe have that money whether she needed it or not. See her as quick as possible and give it to her. Write soon and often. I would like for you to write every mail, Yours with truly, Sam

Letters of Pvt. Sam T. Smith, 15th Indiana Volunteer Infantry Regiment from West Virginia 1861

September 21, 1861
Camp Elkfork
Randolph County, Va.

Dear Wife,

I am not very well at this time having caught a great deal of cold and today I have a considerable pain my right shoulder, which feels like rheumatism. I am not so bad but what I can go around. I received a letter from you yesterday which was not unwelcomed for when it is so long before I get a letter from you I take the blues. You stated in your letter that you were drying fruit and you would like to have me there to eat some with you. Can guess whether it would suit me or not. There is no fruit in this country worth naming and what is here is not ripe. You also wrote to me that they got a letter from W.S. Cook in which he stated that they were within three miles of the rebels. I can inform you that I have been within a mile and perhaps a mile and a half. Company F and D were on picket eight about 8 miles from our Camp, when one morning they commenced firing on our pickets. There were two men from each company sent out to assist them but they proved to be too strong for them. There was about 20 to 8. They killed one man in Company F and wounded three in Company D. Their sixty were advanced guards. Behind them there was a force of about three or four thousand. Consequently, we had to fall back to our Camp. They came on down within two miles of our Camp. We expected a fight every hour. Every man that was able had to beat his post night day for about three days. They finally concluded they could see just as well a little off and fell back to their old camp. So we have not had a fight yet and I have no idea when we will. We are pretty well fortified. One of the prisoners that was brought in the other day says that all hell could not come through here. I am of the opinion if they were to try it the would have a nice old time of it, but they will not try it I don't think as to the force of men and cannon we have here. It is not prudent for me to state. I really don't know the exact number of each but I don't think there has been three weeks of fair weather since we come in the State. Put it all together I could tell you a great number of things if I only was with you a while. They say that the Rebels have got up confusion among themselves. I understand that they had a fight among themselves, killing several of them. I received a letter from father yesterday. It gave me some satisfaction to learn his sentiments on this question. I will send it to you and you can get someone to read it for you. If there is anyone there scholory enought to read it and make sense of and then hand it to Milton Short perhaps it will be interesting to him. Give my respects to him and his family. I want you to tell Leon to write to me for I wrote to him sometime ago and have not recieved an answer. If he knew how glad I would be to get a letter he would write. I think I could read a letter from anyone there with gladness except one that is there. Lizzie kiss Joe and Ella for me. Give my respects to all friends and relation. My kindest affections for yourself. I remain your husband, until death.

S.T. Smith to e. Smith

On the way to Missionary Ridge, letters of Pvt. Sam T. Smith, 15th Indiana Volunteer Infantry Regiment

(to really appreciate these letters, start at the beginning of these letters. Scroll down! I have presented these letters just as Pvt. Smith wrote them. He seldom had stationary, so he wrote on any paper he could find, including wall paper. In these letters about his duty in then Virginia, now West Virginia, realize he and the other soldiers faced harsh mounain weather to include cold, rain and sleet--often without tents and with only, maybe a blanket. Anyway read them all as I present them. You will come to like Pvt. Smith.)
August 28, 1961

Elk Fork Camp

Randolph County, Va.

My Dear Wife:

I recieved yours of the 15th that gave me great satisfaction to know that you were all well and the stamps that you sent me. They looked as large to me as five dollar bills, almost. I am in tolerable health at present. I don't think that I am as heavy as I was when I left by 10 or 15 pounds. I know that I am not as stout as by a good deal. I have been on duty all the time when I was called on. You wrote too that you had written for my state pay. I would be glad that you could get it, but that will be impossible. I guess that I will have to recieve it myself and receipt for the same. If I knew who the paymaster would be perhaps I could fix so you could get it as I would rather you would have it than myself. As I think it very near impossible to send money home, specially any amount worth naming, as it is very uncertain sending oney from here home. I would not mind to send a dollar at a time but that would not do you much good. If I had the chance you would get my wedges as fast as I could get them myself as you need the money and I don't. I expect to get some money pretty soon and if I have any chance to send it to you I will do so. It may be that Pete, myself and Joe Greer may get a check and send it here to be divided among you. I have not said anything to either of them but I think it would suit them both. I may get my state pay when I get my first pay from the United States, but I don't know whether I will or not. I would rather you get it than for it to come here. We have not had a fight yet. I understand that one Company run themselves in danger today but got out safe, I think. I understand that there is a part of General Lee's troops that worked way back between us and Clarksburg to try to cut off our supplies, but we will catch them at it. I now got orders to have my gun in trim tonight as they don't know but what we will have to go out on double quick. If they want anything out of us let them pitch in, we will give the best we have. We have seven pieces of cannon here at this time. There are so many lies in Camp that I don't believe anything I hear. It is the greatest place to manufacture lies that I ever saw. There is some more weary news about going home in Camp this evening, but as for my part, I am easy about it, but I don't think we will come home until the war is over. Lizzie you must be cheerful, hold up your head as though you were not alone. Give my respects to all friends and relation. Tell Joe to be a good boy. No more at present, but remember your husband,

Signed: Sam T. Smith to Elizabeth Smith

On the way to Missionary Ridge, letters of Pvt. Sam T. Smith, 15th Indiana Volunteer Infantry Regiment

August 19, 1861

Elk Fork Camp

Tygret Valley, Virginia

My Dear Wife:

I take the opportunity to write to you again not being satisfied with what I wrote in Leon's letter. I am well at this time hoping these few lines may find you enjoying the same blessing. We are laying here without a fight yet. We are still throwing up fortifications yet. I have nothing of importance to write as nothing of note has transpired. Josh Brazelton is sick at the hospital. A.J. Wilson is sick and is there too. They (say) he will die. The most of the boys in our Company are well. Lieutenant Dean is laying behind me, gasing with some of the boys. The talk is going around the Camp about coming home in three months from the time we ware mustered in the service, but as for my part, I don't know anything about it, nor I don't care anything about it. If we come home, we will be there and if we don't we will not, that is one thing I have to say. Send me some stamps, if there is any possible chance as it is impossible to get them. I wrote to Leon to send me some and you can find out whether he will or not and if he doesn't I want you to send me some, if you can. I expect to get 2 stamps to pay this letter and one to father, by paying him ten cents for them. The day of drawing pay is the first of September and if the stamps come, I will pay you or Leon, which one sends them. We have to pay high for paper, but we can get that. I am writing in good time for our Company has to go out on picket tomorrow at ten O'Clock, which will not give me much time to write. I want you to tell Leon to write and tell him how to direct his letter as I did not tell him myself. That is one thing I forgot. I want you to tell all my friends and relatives especially Mr. Shivelys family to write. Tell them to write just as many letters as they please. It won't make me mad. I would write to them and a good many others if I had anything to pay postage. Tell R.V. Short to write to me as I wrote the last letter. There is not using of talking for I would like to see you all of the folks, but I am doing very well. Give my respects to all enquiring friends and relatives. I will add no more at present, but remain your husband,

Signed: S.T. Smith to Mrs. E. Smith

P.S. I want you to write whether you got my carpet sack or not all the things in it and whether you got the things that was in the box and whether the cloths were distributed among them that the belonged. Yours with respect,

Samuel Smith to Elizabeth Smith

On the way to Missionary Ridge, letters of Pvt. Sam T. Smith, 15th Indiana Volunteer Infantry Regiment

(editor's note: read these letters from the beginning, May 10, 1861 to really get an idea of what it was to be a soldier during the American Civil War.)

July 10, 1861

Buchannon, Virginia

Dear Wife:

I take the opportunity to inform you that I am well at present. We landed here yesterday after a march of 28 miles. We were two days marching that distance. We had a company of Scouts of fifty men ahed of us and they took in a secessionist prisoner. As to the length of time we will stay here is beyond my knowledge. I don't think we will stay here long. I was one of a company of Scouts started out last night to take a secessionist, but we could not get any pilet to guide and we had to go back to camp. We don't have as nice time as we had at Lafayette and Indianapolis. We have to march through the rain and mud and eat pilot bread. Some of the boys think it hard living. They curse and swear to all destruction. There are several boys sick with the measles. There is one man they think might die, he is very bad sick. I know that there is one Captain in the Regiment that thinks that in less than three weeks we will be discharged,but for my part I don't think none of them knows, but as for as my part, I can't tell. I heard some of the boys say that about half of the Regiment would march tomorrow as a kind of Scouting Party and whether I will be one of the I don't know but I will not stand back an inch. They will be selected out of the stoutest men in the Regiment and I feel as stout as jack. I heard today that a cessionist was shot a day or two ago. It was said to be reliable he was badly wounded. he was going round making speeches trying to collect more men and some of the witnesses pluged it to him, which wa a Christian act. I have not received any pay yet, but I would like to have some as I need it very badly. I have not heard from you in a long time. I would be glad to hear from you and hear that you are well and all are doing well. May God bless you in my absents. I think of you often. There is about four or five hundred miles between us at this time which makes me thank of you with sadness. You must look to God as your helper and kind protector. I will add no more but remain your husband until death,

Signed: S.T. Smith to Elizabeth Smith

At the top of this letter printed is this statement: "To arms! To arms, ye brave! The avenging sword unsheath; March on; march on! all hearts resolved in liberty or death!"

On the way to Missionary Ridge, letters of Pvt. Sam T. Smith, 15th Indiana Volunteer Infantry Regiment

(Editor's note: these letters begin on April 20, 1861. To get the true sense of Sam and how his military service began, go to that letter.)

July 3, 1861
Camp Clay, Ohio
Near Cincinnati

Dear Wife:

I am well at present hoping these few lines may find you all well. We left Indianapolis, Indiana last Monday and landed her Tuesday. We were received very kindly at Cincinnati. When we got there the citizens had breakfast ready for us. there were two Regiments who ate there. It appeared that they could not be kind enough to us. When we were done eating they said for us to fill our haver sacks full for there was plenty. When we will leave here I can not tell. We have got no money yet. We are camped on the brink of the Ohio River. I can look across the river and see my native State. I have not seen any secessionist yet. I have nothing more of importance to write until next time. You need not write until I tell you to. Give my bet respects to all enquiring friends and relation. I want you to keep in good spirits for you know how things may turn up as well as I do. No more at present but remain your husband,

Signed: Samuel T. Smith to Elizabeth Smith

On the way to Missionary Ridge, letters of Pvt. Sam T. Smith, 15th Indiana Volunteer Infantry Regiment

June 29, 1861

Indianapolis, Indiana

Dear Wife:

I am well at present hoping these few lines may find you all well. We have marching orders. We will leave tomarrow at two O'Clock P.M. for Grafton, Virginia. I will send my carpet sack home. It is directed to L.L. Smith. There is two shirts and a pair of drawers in it for Peter. I will tie the string to the key and tie the other end to one of the handles and will drop it inside and you press the jaws open and take it out. I have not time for writing for it is ten O'Clock and we are getting our equipements to night. I want you to keep perfectly cool as if there was nothing transpired. Remember me and pray for me nightly. And take good care of Joe and Ellen. You must excuse this writing for I am in a hurry. You need not write until I write you. No more at present but remain your husband until death,

Signed: S.T. Smith to Mrs. E. Smith

June 16, 1861

Camp Tippecanoe

Lafayette, Indiana

Dear Wife:
I am well at this time and I hope these few lines may find you enjoying the same blessings. I have nothing of important to write. We were mustered int the United States Service last Friday, but J.E. Dean is not our Captain. The General had appointed one Mr. White a very clever man I guess but doesn't know beans as far as military affairs is concerned. Jerry is First Lieutenant. It seems to me that I have no home since I left. I will not forget you all soon. May God be with you forever is my solomen sentiment. I want you to be cheerful as if there had nothing taken place but remember me as I don't expect to see you soon. We will get our uniforms tomorrow or next day. Give my respects to all enquiring friends. I remain your husband.

Signed: Sam T. Smith to Elizabeth Smith
P.S. I will send that stamp to Meck Robertson, S.T. Smith

May 25, 1861

Indianapolis, Indiana

Mrs. Smith:

Dear Wife, I am well at this time and I hope these few lines may find you well. We left Lafayette yesterday and came to this place. It is uncertain how long we will stay here. There is some talk that we will leave here next Monday as to the certainty I don't know. There is one Regiment of the Brigade that is gone already. Tell Leon to distribute these cloths to them that they are sent the familys. That picture you will get. I received those pictures you sent to me. I was glad to get them. I have nothing to write but remain your husband until death.

Signed: Samuel T. Smith to Elizabeth Smith

Letters from Pvt. Sam T. Smith, 15th Indiana Volunteer Infantry Regiment

May 24, 1861

Camp Tippecanoe

Lafayette, Indiana

My Dear Wife:

I received your letter yesterday which gave me great satisfaction to know that you are all well. I am well and I would be thankful to know that these few lines may find you enjoying the same blessing. You must kiss the children for me. I would like to see them and you also. I am not going to forget you soon. I remember you often. It makes me sad to know that we are some distant a part and probably forever, but you must not take it to heart. Perhaps the next letter you get from me you will hear that I have been mustered in the United States Service for three years and then I will go to parts unknown to me at present. It will be ascertained shortly, perhaps tomorrow. I am glad that you got the shoes I sent you. The next time you write you must tell me how they fit. If I ever get any money I think I will get a pair each for the children. We have got no money nor cloths yet. I would like for you if you have a chance to get the likenesses of the children and send them to me and also yours. It you can't get Pauline's taken don't send any. I want them all if I can get them. When I get some money I will have my picture taken and send it to you. When You write again tell me what arrangement you have with Leon or whether he is bourding with you or not. I want you to send Joe to School every day when you can. When there is a good teacher, tell him I want him to see how much he can learn while I am gone and I will send him some nice books, if he will lean as fast as he can. If I have the chance. I have just been and got my cattridge bore. I got my gun last Saturday. I understood since I commence writing that we will get our uniform tomorrow, but whether there is any truth in it or not, I would be glad if there was cloths. I am needing them. We had liked to had a row in Camp Wednesday evening on the account of the guard house. It was reported there was body lice in it. Some of the guard set fire to it, but it was put out. It took three or four companies to guard it to keep them from burning it. The next day at 12 O'Clock it was set on fire and burned down and they are satisfied; all quiet. I have nothing more to write and if I had would not have the room. Do the best you can until I see you. I remain your husband.

Signed: Samuel T. Smith to Elizabeth Smith

Letters from Pvt. Sam T. Smith, 15th Indiana Volunteer Infantry Regiment

May 19, 1861
Camp Tippecanoe
Lafayette, Indiana

My Dear Wife:
I am well at present and would be glad to hear from you and the babes. I received a box of provisions last Thursday which gave me great satisfaction to know that I am remembered at home, for there are not many hours in the day but what I think of my home, my wife and my little ones. May God bless you all in my prayer. We went to the city last evening and received our guns, but we are making poor headway drilling. The Governor visited our Camp yesterday. There were ten companies put in a line to receive him. There was a disturbance last Thursday night in Camp. Some time in the day there was one of the citizens put in the guard house and at night there were some men come and made an attact on the Sentinel with rocks. The Sentinel fired on them with their revolvers, and it is thought that there was one of them killed, at least it is reported so. Give my best regards to Milton Shorts folks. Tell them that I thank them kindly for the presents they sent me. I want you to write as soon as you get this letter. Tell Leon to write as I have
written to him and have no answer yet. Give my respect to the Ladies of Springville. May God bless them. I will add no more but remain your husband.Signed: Samuel T. Smith to Elizabeth Smith

Letter Pvt. Sam T. Smith, 15th Indiana Volunteer Infantry Regiment

May 19, 1861
Camp Tippecanoe
Lafayette, Indiana

My Dear Wife:I am well at present and would be glad to hear from you and the babes. I received a box of provisions last Thursday which gave me great satisfaction to know that I am remembered at home, for there are not many hours in the day but what I think of my home, my wife and my little ones. May God bless you all in my prayer. We went to the city last evening and received our guns, but we are making poor headway drilling. The Governor visited our Camp yesterday. There were ten companies put in a line to receive him. There was a disturbance last Thursday night in Camp. Some time in the day there was one of the citizens put in the guard house and at night there were some men come and made an attact on the Sentinel with rocks. The Sentinel fired on them with their revolvers, and it is thought that there was one of them killed, at least it is reported so. Give my best regards to Milton Shorts folks. Tell them that I thank them kindly for the presents they sent me. I want you to write as soon as you get this letter. Tell Leon to write as I have
written to him and have no answer yet. Give my respect to the Ladies of Springville. May God bless them. I will add no more but remain your husband.Signed: Samuel T. Smith to Elizabeth Smith

Pvt. Sam T. Smith, 15th Indiana Volunteer Infantry Regiment

May 19, 1861
Camp Tippecanoe
Lafayette, Indiana

My Dear Wife:
I am well at present and would be glad to hear from you and the babes. I received a box of provisions last Thursday which gave me great satisfaction to know that I am remembered at home, for there are not many hours in the day but what I think of my home, my wife and my little ones. May God bless you all in my prayer. We went to the city last evening and received our guns, but we are making poor headway drilling. The Governor visited our Camp yesterday. There were ten companies put in a line to receive him. There was a disturbance last Thursday night in Camp. Some time in the day there was one of the citizens put in the guard house and at night there were some men come and made an attact on the Sentinel with rocks. The Sentinel fired on them with their revolvers, and it is thought that there was one of them killed, at least it is reported so. Give my best regards to Milton Shorts folks. Tell them that I thank them kindly for the presents they sent me. I want you to write as soon as you get this letter. Tell Leon to write as I have
written to him and have no answer yet. Give my respect to the Ladies of Springville. May God bless them. I will add no more but remain your husband.Signed: Samuel T. Smith to Elizabeth Smith

Pvt. Sam T. Smith, 15th Indiana Volunteer Infantry Regiment

May 19, 1861
Camp Tippecanoe
Lafayette, Indiana

My Dear Wife:I am well at present and would be glad to hear from you and the babes. I received a box of provisions last Thursday which gave me great satisfaction to know that I am remembered at home, for there are not many hours in the day but what I think of my home, my wife and my little ones. May God bless you all in my prayer. We went to the city last evening and received our guns, but we are making poor headway drilling. The Governor visited our Camp yesterday. There were ten companies put in a line to receive him. There was a disturbance last Thursday night in Camp. Some time in the day there was one of the citizens put in the guard house and at night there were some men come and made an attact on the Sentinel with rocks. The Sentinel fired on them with their revolvers, and it is thought that there was one of them killed, at least it is reported so. Give my best regards to Milton Shorts folks. Tell them that I thank them kindly for the presents they sent me. I want you to write as soon as you get this letter. Tell Leon to write as I have
written to him and have no answer yet. Give my respect to the Ladies of Springville. May God bless them. I will add no more but remain your husband.Signed: Samuel T. Smith to Elizabeth Smith

Letter of Pvt. Sam T. Smith, 15th Indiana Vounteer Infantry Regiment

May 12, 1861
Camp Tippycanoe, one half mile from Layfayette, Indiana
Dear Wife,
I am well hoping these few lines may find you enjoying the same Blessing. We have had some hard bats in our company. We left Indianapolis last Friday evening half past six o’clock. Some of the boys in the company snatched three or four hats off the boys’ heads that were at the station and passed on.
Mrs. Smith it would be pleasant if I were there to pass off some of the lonely hours that you have to contend with. I pray for you to be of good cheer. I would like to be there with the children around me. I don’t want you to think that I am getting homesick. We have good quarters to sleep in. There are about 10 companies in our camp. Our company has just been mustered into the state service for 12 months and after that was over we had preaching in camp. Some of the soldiers listened to the preaching in which I was one and some were playing cards. Some were swearing. It is cool today. Give my respect to all enquiring friends and relation. Write as soon as you get this letter to Layfeytte, Tippecanoe County, Indiana in care of Captain Short. I remain your affectionate husband,
Samuel Smith