These letters were written by James H. Smith who served in the 4th Indiana Battery during the Civil War. The battery was organized at Indianapolis, Indiana and mustered in for a three-year enlistment on September 30, 1861. It was mustered in under the command of Captain Asahel Kidder Bush. They were ordered to Louisville, Kentucky, October 4. Then assigned duty at New Haven and Munfordville, Kentucky, until February 1862. For a story of the 4th Indiana Battery’s fight along the Wilkinson Pike in the Battle of Stone’s River, see Dan Master’s Civil War Chronicles of 12 March 2024. Capt. Bush’s battery consisted of two six pounders, two 12 pounders, and two James rifled guns.

Letter 1

[Camp George Wood, Kentucky]
December the 27, 1861

Well, Dick, I sit down to let you know that I am well and doing well. We are now at Camp George Wood right where they had their fight last week. Me and George was down and saw the place where our men was buried. There was ten of our men killed and about 75 of the rebels killed.

I don’t know how long we will stay here. It is good weather here. There ain’t any snow here. I would like to know what in hell is the reason that you don’t write to me. I hain’t had a letter for a month. I have wrote two letters to Wat, three to you. Now I want you to write and let me know all the news and what you are all a doing and where you went Christmas and I want Wat to write to me. I want you to tell Pa to take my things and do anything that he is a mind to with them.

Now you can write or not just as you are a mind to [but] I shan’t write any more till you do. — J. Smith to Willard Smith

Direct your letter in the care of Captain A. K. Bush, Michigan City Artillery, Camp George Wood

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Letter 2

[Ten miles from Corinth, Mississippi]
May the 12, 1862

Well Dick, I thought I would write a few lines and let you know what I am a doing. I ain’t a doing anything now. I hain’t never been well since I was first taken sick. We are in the State of Mississippi about ten miles from Corinth.

I hain’t had but one letter from you since I left Nashville. The officers won’t let us send letters only about once a month. I send this letter by one of our lieutenants. He is a going right to Michigan City.

Dick, I expect that you think I ought to send some money home to help pay my debts and I would if I was well. I was left once and didn’t have a cent and I know how it goes. I went two days and nights without a mouthful to eat.

I want you to write and let me know just how you are a getting along and tell what to write and write all the news. Henry Hall and Sam Folsom are are here in the 7th Iowa Regiment. I don’t believe that they will be any fight here at all. George is well and tough. I am a getting better. I will be fit for duty in a week or two. Write and tell me whether cane has took that note or not and whether you can get along without my sending any money. I can’t think of anything more to write—only that I would be glad to see you all. Goodbye, — J. Smith

To Willard Smith.

Dick, I send a five cent rebel bill in this letter to John. Direct your letters to Pittsburg Landing, A. K. Bush’s Battery in the care of Col. Barnett, commanding Artillery Reserve.