Jacinto, Mississippi

Monday morning July 14^th, 1862

My Dear Wife:-

My health is very good.  The weather is very hot and I am very lazy.  It seems that Saturday and Sunday is to be the days for our scouting.  Last Saturday the report came that seven thousand rebels were within a few miles of our camp, intending to attack us.  At 4 o’clock P.M. the Regiment marched out.  We went about ten miles and hitched our horses to our arms and waited till morning.  At daylight we moved on about six miles where the rebels were said to be.  Here the companies separated and went in different directions for a few miles, then again we met and ate breakfast.  After breakfast we (there the bugle sounds and I must go to headquarters to get orders, well they only want three men for guard tomorrow) started back to Jacinto, traveled a few miles and stopped to graze our horses.  Forward was sounded and on we came to camp.  Received a note from C.F. Wilton which I send you.  Polly Lee says that Barthollett Lee wishes all the Republicans killed, that would include me, would it not?  I expect a letter from you this evening.  I have received none from you since Pap’s letter.  I answered it a week ago today, I believe.  Good bye.

William A. Smith