The following letter was written by William H. Smith who served in Horse Battery C, 3rd U. S. Artillery during the Civil War. This battery was organized in October 1861 under the command of Capt. Edward O. C. Ord and participated in the Peninsula Campaign in the spring and summer of 1862. This letter was penned from White House Landing in mid-June 1862 just prior to the 7 days battles before Richmond. The Battery played a major roll in the Battle of Antietam in September 1862 and then later at Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, Brandy Station, Gettysburg, the Overland Campaign, and Cedar Creek.

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Camp near the White House [Landing], Virginia
June 11, 1862

Dear Cousin.

I thought I would write you a few lines to let you know I am well and hope you are well. I received news that my father was dead. It was bad news for me to hear.

We have been fighting for 30 days. We are well, the 3rd Cavalry Division Corps, Gen. Nielson commanding.

How are all the young folks of Norton getting along? Tell me in your [next] letter when you write. When are you 100 days men with a day’s grub to carry along and a big trunk to carry along with theme? How is Milk. B. Brow? Is it better than it was?

We was camped within 15 miles of Richmond, Virginia, on the 1st of June. We started from the town of Hanover Court House and as we was on the road to the town of Ashland, the rebels charged up in rear and we had to get up and dust to Ashland. There we had to fight or get taken prisoner. About 5 o’clock in the afternoon the rebels charged into Ashland and we opened with canister and drove them back and we cut our way back to Hanover Court House and camped for the night.

I don’t think of any more now so good bye from your cousin, — Wm. H. Smith. Horse Battery C, 3rd U. S. Artillery, Washington D. C.