1862 February 20 Camp Stonewall Brigade

   Camp Stonewall Brigade Feby 20th
Dear Sister
                     I will endeavor
this morning to write you a few
lines to let you know that I am
well. Hope when these come to
hand they may find you all in
the enjoyment of good health.
Mr Lucas arrived in camp last
night he told me that you were
looking for me down this week
but I will not be there until
the fifth or sixth of March, if
nothing unusual happens.  I hope
to get there about that time.  My
time would have come next
week but on sunday and I thought
that I would rather wait two or
three days and go on a week day.
Our brigade will go on picket next
wednesday I expect, but I do not
know whether I will go or not
as my shoes are nearly worn
out.  I had hoped to get them
fixed but have had no chance.

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If there is any leather I wish
you would have me a pair of shoes
made.  Mr Lucas says you are
considerably annoyed by General
Imbodens command, but it does
not surprise me much as his
troops are a pretty rough set
a great many of them being deserters
from other armies, and prisoners
from Castle Thunder, I cannot
understand why Charlie Berry prefers
going among such a set when
he could get to a better place
and among better companions as
for the danger one is not more
so than another.  As it is
nearly night I will close by
asking you to write soon nothing
more but remain your affectionate
brother    
                 Tom

Thomas M. Smiley
Co. D, 5th Virginia


MSS 1807