Camp of 79^th Reg^t O.V.I.

                                                                                                Near Vinings Station, Ga.

                                                                                                            September 1^st 1864.

 

            Dear Mother.

                                    Your letter of August 20^th was received yesterday and was read with interest. I wrote to you two or three days ago. I have not heard from Lebanon in a long time. I had a letter from Laura the other day. She sent me the baby’s picture. I think that it looks a great deal like baby although I don’t remember now how baby did look when I left home. We have pretty nice times doing duty back here in the rear. Citizens come to the picket posts with apples, peaches, green corn string-beans and other vegetables and trade for rations and sutlers goods. I had a good dinner of green corn and string-beans cooked together day before yesterday. I tasted my first peaches this season here. Now if I could only get some of the bakers soft bread and pies I could make a fine dinner with the citizens vegetables. You say that you have not heard from grandpa for some time. Neither have I although I have written him two or three letters since I got any from him. I expect that I will get one today or tomorrow. Ma you would not know me if you should see me now. I am getting fat as fast as the law allows. I havent weighed my self/lately but think that I weigh about twenty-five pounds more that I did when I left home and all gained within the last month. I hope Pa may succeed as well in restoring his health as the gentleman you spoke of from Cincinnati. I am as well as can be expected when I am gaining health flesh every day. Love to you and Pa. Hoping that this may find you both in good health

                                                I Remain

                                                            Your affecionate Son

                                                                                                Willie

 

                                                                        Co. B. 79^th Reg^t O.V.I.

                                                                                    Vinings Station

                                                                                                Georgia

 

            Lebanon, Sept. 14/64

Not having heard from Willie for some time I have again availed myself of the privilege to open his letters. Vinson recovered sufficiently to allure him to come down a part of the day but relapsed & is again on his back. I am going it alone, am getting along but tis hard work. Morrie left for Oxford Tuesday, would have kept him to help me but thought Lew was getting along so that he could be of some assistance. No news, except that Holbrook has leased the Lebanon House—all well—my love to both—Bertie is nearly well

                                                                                                Yours as Ever

                                                                                                            Chas. A. Smith

Will write Willie today & enclose him $10.

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