1862 February 5 [Lexington, Va.]

Va. Military Institute

Feby 5. 1862

My dear John [John B. Cocke]

The increased claims of my public
duty have prevented me from writing to
you since my return home, altho' I have
more than once attempted to do so with
some 240 cadets to attend to, & the labor of
re-organizing the entire operations of the
school, the duty falls upon me in mid-
winter, with a small force of help. I
have hardly been able to do anything in the
way of private correspondence.

I send you enclosed a copy of an Ex
tract from a Special Report which I
have just forwarded to Richmond. It
feebly expresses all that my heart feels
in reference to the calamity which has
fallen upon us--and yet I could not
allow myself to say less. I will send
you some copies of the Report as soon

[page 2]
it is published.

Do give my affectionate love to your
Mother. Let me know how she is--
I was so sorry I had no opportunity of
seeing her, altho' I was aware that
her recent affliction would have re
opened all the sad event

With my affectionate remembrances to
all your sisters & brothers

I remain very truly

F H Smith

J B. Cocke Esq
Belmead Va

[The extract from Smith's memorial to General Philip St. George Cocke was posted on February 4]

MSS 640