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