1^st Div. Camp Winder,

July 23^rd 1863      

      

M^rs E. Smith

                                   

My Dear Mother:

                                    I rec^d your letter two or three days ago, and shall now write a few lines in answer. My health is pretty good now, better than it has been in some months, and I hope will continue to improve. You had not heard of Uncle Mac's death when you wrote. I suppose though you heard of it in a short while after writing. I am afraid Aunt Kate will grieve herself a great deal on account of it. We all feel his loss more or less sensibly.

 

                        Sergt. W. D. Smith of Co "K" 8 S.C. Regt. left here this morning for S.C. on 30 days furlough. He was wounded through right arm just above wrist one bone being fractured. Lt B. A. Rogers is still at Camp Winder. He has not succeeded in getting a furlough yet. I hope he will get one and get home in a few days. He is wounded through fleshy part of arm near the shoulder.

 

            There has been any quantity of rain here for the last 3 or 4 weeks, & now the weather is very warm. I think it will rain today.

 

            The furlough business keeps me very busy these days, but it is better than marching, fasting & being exposed to all kinds of weather.

 

            We know nothing definite as to the where / abouts of Gen^l. Lee though he is rumored on the South side of the Potomac if accounts be true.

 

            I have not time to write a long letter at present, so I must close, promising to try and do better next time. My kind regards to all inquiring friends.

Write soon and oftener.                                                         

 

Your aff^t son,

J. W. Smith

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