Camp Near Winchester Va

Sept. 30^th 1862

 

Miss S. E. Smith

                                   

My Dear Sister:

                  Since I wrote you a few days ago, we have moved our camp, and we are now about seven (7) miles from Winchester. There's no telling how long we will remain here but perhaps only a day or two longer.

 

            My health still continues very bad. I still have diarrhoea and it seems to be impossible for me to get well of it. For the last few days I have been thirsty nearly all the time, and I think at times that I have fever. I am very weak, and when we are ordered off on a march, it is with difficulty that I get along. I hope, however, that I will get better soon.

 

            W^m A. Crosland, M. J. Henagan, Ja^s Henagan & Aiken David (son of J.E. David) reached here yesterday. They all seem to be in fine health & spirits. Make Henagan is now Quarter Master of the 8^th. Crosland is here only on a visit. I do not know what the others are going to do. I am writing this with the expectation of sending it by M^r Crosland as he expects to start back in two or three days. Uncle Mac stays well. M^r Crosland / says he will probably not come back until after the election. I would like very much to see him and those shirts and socks. I would like also to have about two pair drawers. If you get this in time try and send me the drawers too. And if you can try and make me something on the haversack order, to carry my clothes in, and make broad straps so they will not hurt my shoulders.

 

            The vote for the legislature & Tax Collector will be taken here soon, perhaps today. I am emphatically a M^cLeod man for the House of Reps. but if Townsend's Company stands up to Uncle Mac right (which I expect they will) I shall vote for Townsend also. For the Senate I am for W. D. Johnson & for Tax Collector J. L. M^cColl. You must write immediately upon the receipt of this and also soon after the election & let me know how the thing goes at home. Our company will vote, I think unanimously or nearly so for Johnson & M^cColl & M^cLeod & perhaps for Townsend.

 

Give my best respects to all & write soon.

                                                                       

Your affectionate Brother,

John W. Smith

 

Oct. 1^st Do not mention anything about what I said about the vote here being taken soon. There are good reasons for this. I do not feel as well today as I did yesterday. I've been throwing up and am still troubled with sick stomach.

                                                                       

Yours &c.       J.W.S.

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