The following letter was written by Jabez B. Smith who enlisted at the age of 18 on 7 October 1861 to serve as a private in Co. H, 1st Ohio Volunteer Infantry (OVI). He was promoted to corporal in 1863 and wounded in action and taken prisoner in the Battle of Chickamauga on 19 September 1863. He was taken to Andersonville Prison where he died of disease on 29 July 1864.

Jabez was the son of Jeremiah Smith (1804-1877) and Hanna A. Haines (1814-1889) of Phillipsburg, Jefferson county, Ohio. He enlisted in the 1st OVI with his older brother, Pvt. Noah H. Smith (1840-1864) who served in the same company. Unlike his brother Jabez, he was not wounded in the Battle of Chickamauga, but he was taken a prisoner there and also transported to Andersonville Prison in Georgia. He died of disease there too, on 2 July 1864, less than a month before his brother.

A descendant claims that Noah and Jabez were first taken to Belle Isle, then to Libby Prison for a few months, then to Danville, and finally to Andersonville.

Jabez wrote the letter to his brother, James G. Smith (1843-1912).

Letter 1

Camp Shiloh, Tennessee
April 23, 1862

Dear Brother,

It is with great pleasure that I now sit down to let you know that we are both well at present and hoping that these few lines may find you all enjoying the same blessing. I received your kind letter on the 20th of this month and was glad to hear from you and that you was all well.

The 64th [Ohio] is camped about two miles from our camp. We have both see father. He is well and hearty and sends his love to you all. The 1st Ohio Cavalry is here too. We have seen Jonathan. He is well and send his love to you all. He says that he thinks very hard of you that you do not write to him.

I suppose that you have heard of the great and glorious Battle of Pittsburg Landing. We were both in the fight and came out safe. Seven of our company was wounded, two of them dangerously. The other five are back to the company again. We went out on picket day before yesterday but before we went on post, our brigade made a reconnaissance for our own safety. We went about five or six miles when we came in sight of the rebel’s pickets when they took their old way of doing business—they ran like they always do, I did not get to shoot at this this time but our skirmishers did. the rebel’s cavalry fired on the 15th Regulars but did not hurt any of them. We didn’t follow them very far for it was raining and we turned about and came back to the picket line where we were posted to watch the rebels but they did not come near to bother us.

I must bring my letter to a close by asking you to write as soon as this comes to hand. Nothing more at present but remain your affectionate brother until death, — Jabez B. Smith

to James G. Smith

Direct to Pittsburg Landing, Hardin county, Tennessee in care of Capt. B. F. Prentiss

Do not fail to write as soon as this comes to hand. Goodbye.