1862 January 15 Camp Randolph

Dear Aunt

I take my pen in
hand this morning to write you a
few lines to let you know that I am
well and hope when this comes
to hand it may find you enjoying
good health. I have nothing of
interest to write. We are settled
down in camp and if the present
state of the weather continues we
will be quiet until spring.
Our brigade is on picket; went
last Sunday, but expect to
return this evening. I did
not go as my shoes are not
very good for snow, and the wen
and muddy state of the roads.
Our Generals are not looking
for any military movements now
I think as they are giving
furloughs pretty freely. There is
three of our company at home

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on furlough now, and three
more expecting to go in a day or
two. My turn does not come for
some time yet but I expect to
get home some time this winter
or spring. Mr See has just
been around he is speaking
of building a chapel near the
regiment expects to commence in
a few days. It would be much
more comfortable than to attend
preaching in the open air. It has
been rumored that part of our
brigade went to the Yankees while
on picket--but I do not think
it so. Yet it would not surprise
me if a great many did not desert
as the soldier is not getting what
is justly due him There has been
several days that they got no meat
at all and when there is meat
issued it is in small quantities Our
regiment has not suffered any however
as we get a great deal from home.

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I will draw this to a close by asking
you to give my love to Aunt Anna and
Uncle James' family and receive a due share
yourself T. M. Smiley

Thomas M. Smiley, Company D, 5th Virginia Infantry
MSS 1807