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https://micivilwar.com/authors/smails-james-h/
Regiment: 9th Michigan Infantry
Battles Mentioned:
Historical Figures:
West Point Ky Nov 17 61
My Cousin Iunice
Doubtless you have
expected a letter from me long before
this but we have been in such a
state of confusion for the last
two weeks that it was impossible
to write we are now getting more
settled and in the future I will
write often.
Two companies from the Regiment
(Cos. G. and E) are encamped out
high Bluff, three hundred feet above
the Ohio River, it is a beautiful
place and we have a fine view
of the country for Miles around
since our arrival here there
have been from three to five hundred
soldiers at work every day on the
Fortifications they are nearly completed
and we will soon have the cannon
Mounted and without the Rebels
send a
[ ? ] superior force against
us we shall be comparatively safe
there has been untill last few days
about five thousand troops encamped
in the valley below is but day before
yesterday they all went farther south
our Rigment will follow them as,
soon as the Health of the Soldiers
improve at present we have over
two hundred in the Hospitals
A number have died and we can see
them carrying them to their Graves
nearly every day.
We have had very pleasant wathur
for the last two weeks but to day we
are glad to get to the fire
You will please excuse this I
will write again soon
Good Bye
Your Cousin
J H Smails
Company G
9th Rig Mich Infantry
West Point
Harding Co Kentucky
Please write
Love to all
Iunnice I wish you were here to
read some of my Letters as I have
a full supply
Jim
[On Envelope:]
Miss. Iunnice Levington
Detroit
P.O. Box 1019. Michigan
