Click here for this soldier’s biography:
https://micivilwar.com/authors/smails-james-h/
Regiment: 9th Michigan Infantry
Battles Mentioned: Corinth, Mississippi
Historical Figures: William W. Duffield
[Image of Angel holding banner]
The Union now Henceforth & for ever Amen!
Camp Parkhurst
Murfreesboro Tennessee
April 24th 1862
My Coz Iunnice
You have
doubtless, ere this given up
all hopes of my answering
your letter. I do think you
have very good reasons for
supposing so at least for it
is so long since I received
your s that I have almost
forgotton the contents. You
must pardon me this time
and hereafter I will
answer immediately.
Iunnice I received some
(good) news a few days
since. My frand Hattie
is Married and you cant
imagine how
bad I feel.
I have concluded that
this going for A Soldier is
played out. and for the
reason that I have lost
the
Girl I left behind me
isnt it too bad (“Ha”) but
never mind perhaps I shall
find another. You know
it is never to late to try.
Iunnice the weather here
is delightful the trees are
all leaved out and flowers
of all kind are in abundance
our Camp is situated in
a Beautiful Grove and
since our arrival here
we have planted Evergreens
in front of the tents and
I can assume you
[ ? ]
are having as pleasant
times as we can wish for.
We will probably remain
here only a few days longer
for last evening General Duffield
received orders to concentrate
this Brigade and March
Direct on Corinth. We
shall probably get there
before the Great Fight.
I cannot say that I hope
we will niether can I say that
I hope we will not but
should our Regiment participate
in the coming Battle I shall
endeavor to do my duty.
I have got quite a dangerous
post being the Right General
Guide it places me six paces
in front of the line and as
I carry a small flag I
will make a very good
mark.
Please write soon and
oblige
Your Cousin
J. H. Smails.
Address Via Nashville
23d Brigade
Love to all.
S S S S S S S
S S J J
