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