Camp Darlington, Head Quarters.

8^th Regt. SCV Sept 25^th 1861.

 

Dear Sister:

                        I write you today, although I have written two or three letters home since I rec^d any. I do not feel very well today. I have a pretty severe headache but I hope it will not last me long. I have a cold too. The weather here at this time is very disagreeable, warm in the day and cold at night. It is a pretty hard matter to keep warm these nights unless we had more bed clothing.

 

            There is no news at all in camp. We are now just where the Regiment has been for the last six weeks. I cant tell how long we will stay here nor when we will have a fight. It may come when we least expect it. It has been reported in camp today that the Yankees are advancing upon us, but it is a false report I believe.

 

            Caw M^cColl is dead. He died on the 20^th at the house of M^r Owen in Manchester, the same place where I was when sick. He had typhoid fever.

 

            Why dont some of you write to me? I have recd no letters since I came back to the camp except two by Bill Reals

 

            Ab Weatherly is off at the / hospital somewhere I dont know in what place. He was at Richmond when I was, came back & was sent off again but whether to Richmond or not I dont know.

 

            I will close. My respects to all the neighbors. Do write to me soon.

                                                                                               

Your affectionate brother

John W. Smith

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