Richmond, Virginia

June 8^th 1862

 

Miss S. E. Smith

                                   

My Dear Sister:

                                                                        I rec^d yours of May 21^st on the 5^th Inst. It had probably been at the Royster Hospital for some time as it was not, I suppose, more than three or four days on the way.

 

            I am now in about my usual health and expect to go to the Regt. tomorrow. I got my discharge from the S.C. Hospital on yesterday and went over to Richmond and drew my pay and got some articles which I can not get on without. I do not intend trying to carry anything in the clothing line with me except a change of under clothing. I do not know where either my valise or carpet sack is. I left my valise at Gordonville as I went on from home and / I have not seen my carpet sack since I left Orange C.H. It was sent on with other baggage, but it has avoided me ever since. Whether I will ever lay eyes on it or the valise either fate can alone determine. I bought me the largest haversack yesterday I could find in Richmond, in which I intend to carry what few articles of clothing I expect to keep. I had to give two dollars for the haversack. It is oil cloth but very inferior I am afraid. I bought also two yds of oil cloth to shelter me from the rain. For it I had to pay $2 pr yd. and I fear very much it is of very little account. I paid $3.00 for a calico shirt and for other things in proportion.

 

            Lauchlin A. M^cLaurie of Co "K" left for home this morning. He is discharged from service. Jno. F. M^cLaurie also left for home this morning on sick furlough. L. A. M^cLaurie had been staying at M^r Owen's for some time. He had left here yesterday before I got back from Richmond after drawing my pay, or I would have sent mother a little money by him. If I can I will send her some anyhow by express as I am afraid to trust it to the mails. I rec^d one letter from home while I was near Orange C.H. but rec^d none while near Yorktown I have never sent any money home as I never had an opportunity while I had the money.

 

            I rec^d a letter from David S. Johnson the same day I rec^d yours.

 

            Times seem to be pretty quiet near Richmond now. But I expect there will be fighting soon. Our Brigade went to the scene of action on the 31^st May and got / there about sunset but did not get into the fight. I saw J. G. M^cQuage, Jas. Dudley & W. A. Crostland from the Regt yesterday. Everybody there is doing very well. It was reported in the city yesterday that "Stonewall" Jackson had had another fight at Strasburg with the Yankees under Milroy & Shields and had routed them taking 705 prisoners. Old "Stonewall" is a trump and if he has half a chance he can paddle his own canoe, and whip the Yankees too. I wish I was with him. When you write again direct to J. W. Smith Co. "K" 8^th Regt S.C.V. Richmond V^a. Give my best respects to all the neighbors. Write soon and as often as possible. As ever

                                                           

Your afft. Brother,

John W. Smith

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