This letter was written by Isaac Smith (1842-1928) while serving in Co. E, 47th Pennsylvania Veteran Volunteers. Isaac had previously served in Co. K, 153rd Pennsylvania Infantry, enlisting in October 1862. He was wounded on 2 July 1863 at Gettysburg and mustered out of the regiment shortly after. In December 1863, Isaac reenlisted in the 47th Pennsylvania. His regiment was the only one from Pennsylvania to fight in Nathaniel Bank’s Red River Campaign. The regiment later distinguished itself under Sheridan in the Shenandoah Valley Campaign.

T R A N S C R I P T I O N

Camp Brightwood near Washington D. C.
May 7th 1865

Dear Wife,

I take the present opportunity of writing you a few lines to let you know that I am well and I hope this will find you the same. We are still in camp yet as my heading shows, but we are going to leave tomorrow—whether for good or not, I can’t say. One thing is pretty certain, we ain’t going very far for the sick are to be left in camp. the supposition is that we are going to the Washington Arsenal. Well, one thing is certain, we can’t make a change for the worse for we are drilled almost to death. We have squad drill from 7 to 8 o’clock in the morning, company drill from 9 to 11, and Battalion drill from 3 to 5, and dress parade at 6 o’clock. Then we have reviews and inspections thrown in.

Kate, you must write oftener. I haven’t got a letter from you in a month’s time andI always have to write two letters to your one, and sometimes three. The farther I am from home, the oftener I hear from you and as I come closer, the fewer I get. The oftener I hear from you the better I will like it, so write soon. Your husband, — Isaac Smith

P. S. Direct to me:

Co. E, 47th Regt. P. V. V.
2nd Brigade, 1st Division, Army of the Shenandoah
Washington D. C.