Smith, David V. M. (1823-1863) to Elizabeth Smith and family
High-resolution images are available to schools and libraries via subscription to American History, 1493-1943. Check to see if your school or library already has a subscription. Or click here for more information. You may also order a pdf of the image from us here.
Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC04189.41 Author/Creator: Smith, David V. M. (1823-1863) Place Written: Falmouth, Virgina Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 1863/05/07 Pagination: 4 p. : envelope. Order a Copy
The army has retreated back to their old camp. Describes Stonewall Jackson's maneuver which forced them to retreat. He discusses losses to the regiment and lists the names of friends who were killed or wounded. He writes that he had been in battle five days and nights and "2 nights & 1 day under fire of artillery & Small arms...I can get along with small arms very well for we cannot hear the Ball until it strikes. But the shells Grape & canister you can hear from the time they start (or are in the air) and every one thinks it may hit him (So the feeling at such times is anything but pleasant)."
Citation Guidelines for Online Resources
The copyright law of the United States (title 17, United States Code) governs the making of photocopies or other reproductions of copyrighted material. Under certain conditions specified in the law, libraries and archives are authorized to furnish a photocopy or other reproduction. One of these specific conditions is that the photocopy or reproduction is not to be “used for any purpose other than private study, scholarship, or research.” If a user makes a request for, or later uses, a photocopy or reproduction for purposes in excess of “fair use,” that user may be liable for copyright infringement. This institution reserves the right to refuse to accept a copying order if, in its judgment, fulfillment of the order would involve violation of copyright law.