Smith, William Wallace( fl. 1861-1862) to Asa Smith
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC03742.06 Author/Creator: Smith, William Wallace( fl. 1861-1862) Place Written: Camp Wilson near Halls Hill, Virginia Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 17 February 1862 Pagination: 4 p. ; 19.8 x 12.5 cm. Order a Copy
Written by William to his brother Asa. Says he has sent Asa three letters since his last letter of 14 January, even though he has not received any of them. Reports that "the army are alive with joy and excitement here over with the good news from the West[.]" Says they might see some fighting "as soon as the going will permit." Says he just got back from parade where they heard a report read by the adjutant and a short speech from the brigadier general. Met a soldier from Natick, Massachusetts named Beals who says his brother hauled coal in Natick. Asks if he knows the person. Says they are not doing anything of importance except building a road from Potomac to Falls Church "as quick as the going will permit to bring over 600 heavy seige [sic] guns heavier than any this side of the Potomac." Tells him about picket duty and troop movements. Embossed American eagle on the first page of the letter with the words "Union and Constitution" also embossed.
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