Febuary the 20. 1862

 

Dear Parents,

                        I have not heard from you in a long time I thought I would write you a few lines and let you know how I got along I have been sick but now enjoying good health I suppose you would like to know the news we have had one battle and took Roanoke Island and 3 thousand prisoners and one hundred rebel officers and Governor Wise son killed him and took over 36 peaces of canon and a lot of ammunition and sank / 3 rebel boats and took 3 rebel gunn boats what a looking set the rebels are all kinds of dress toe pants and coats and old black hats they look just like states prison men as near as I can disscribe them but I tell you it was hard to see the men that was shot some with both legs off and arms shot off and balls through the head and the balls was just as thick as hailstones flying all a round. our Colonel was shot dead and our Capttain wounded in the head shot off part / of his ear he has gone home to New Haven untill he gets better and then he is a coming back a gain. none of our Company killd nor wounded except our Capttain. lots of sweet potatoes we found baried in the ground and hams and large long knifes that they ment to kill us with, but we got them. they said that Jeff Davis told them to kill us. I have not time to write any more this time for the mail is ready to go give my love to all and share a part your selfs / give my love to Katie this is from your son

Miles L. Smith

 

direct your letter

Gen Burnside

Division Store Ship

Maria Greenleaf

old point Comfort

virginia Company H

10 C V

 

write as soon as you

get this

 

                        Amos is well

                                    love to all

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