Lynchburg, Virginia,

Jany 24^th 1863.

 

Miss M. J. Smith

                                   

My Dear Sister:

                    I write you today to inform you how I am getting on. I feel a great deal better than I did when I first came to this place. I weighed this morning 135 ^lbs, 7 ^lbs more than I ever weighed before. This shows me to be fleshier than ever before. I was surprised at my weighing so much. At the same time I am not able to bear any fatigue. I am not strong, and have no power to hold out any length of time. My wind quits, and with very little exertion I get out of breath. My knee is no better & never will be, unless an operation is performed on it which will cure or relieve it. When I first came here I expected that an operation would be performed on my knee but nothing has been said about it by the surgeon, at least not to me. I dread an operation but I am willing to submit to it if it will result in a cure.

 

            I wrote you soon after I came here & I guess you have rec^d my letter before now. Send me two or three late Charleston papers by mail. The Postage will be a small matter. remember me to all.

 

Write immediately.                                                   

 

Your Aff^t Brother

John W. Smith

Direct             

Co K 8^th SC Regt

Box 7 (seven)

Lynchburg, Va.

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