Tuesday morning, 18^th March 1862

The firing continued at intervals during the night and this morning about sunrise the whole atmosphere seemed to vibrate with the regular shocks of each gun which was fired very fast for considerable time, but it has nearly ceased now, there being only about one gun in five minutes.  But it is a little like you was when you first heard a drum, it is like making thunder.

I have just learned there is a regular mail established to this place that will bring our mail three times each week.  I think you can now hear from me regular again until we are ordered to march.

I have again this morning been over to the 22^nd Regiment and saw those boys there that I am acquainted with.  We are encamped about a mile and a half apart and the whole distance is a solid encampment in two rows about half a mile apart.  I see this morning that five Regiments have been removed and I hear that they are going to Point Pleasant.  Yesterday there came a Rebel boat down the river bearing a flag of truce and having on board 450 (or 50 ???) sick and wounded soldiers asking General Pope to allow them to pass down to be taken care of, but the General told them that we had some sick and wounded, but that he had no disposition to send them up the river home.  That if they would land their sick here, he would have them provided for, as ours are provided for, but that the boat would not be allowed to proceed farther into Dixie.  At this the boat returned up the river to take the chance of being captured or whip us out.  The fire at the Island is increasing very fast.  They are certainly having a tolerably hot time up there.  I suppose that your Thursday’s paper will tell you all about it as well as the run from New Madrid.  It may seem strange to you but you are all better posted upon how the war progresses than we are, who are actually engaged in it.

I wish you would send me the Commercial, occasionally.  Direct them just as you direct the letters.  Lest you get tire of my scribbling, I thin I had better stop this time, but will soon write to you again.  Hoping that you are well and enjoying yourselves.  I bid you for the present, good bye.

William A. Smith

5 o’clock P.M.

We have just had orders to march to Point Pleasant tonight.  We will be off at dark which will be in about two hours.  The firing continues at Island No. 10.  You will direct to New Madrid.

W.A.S.