Tuscumbia, Alabama

Friday night, July 25^th, 1862

My Dear Wife:-

Yours of the 7^th and 16^th inst was duly received, but I did not then answer it.  I sent you two illustrated newspapers with a note enclosed informing you that we was then under marching orders, but we did not then know where we was going.  I then wrote to John Bell that we was coming here.  We started Tuesday morning and have been o the road four days, but have not moved very steady.  I think we have averaged about fifteen miles a day.  We will start tomorrow morning to Decatur.  You will see by examining the map that I sent you, that Decatur is on the Memphis and Charleston Railroad about the middle of the state from east to west.  We will be likely to stay there some time for I think it will be out duty to guard the railroad, but we may have some work to do for the rebels attacked our men between here and there this morning.  There will be three Companies of our Regiment go there and the other companies will be stationed at other places along the road.  I am glad that Billy and John Bell have concluded to join the army.  I wish that John was here now, he could work all night if he wanted to, shoeing horses at a big price.  This country is rocky and a great many horses are barefooted.  I have not received the letter you sent to Salem by your uncle Daniel.  I hope it may come in the next mail.  We have had no mail since last Sunday, but will get one tomorrow and I think I will get some letters and papers.  Tomorrows mail ought to bring me word from John Foster concerning the $100.00 that I sent him.  We have heard from _____ that we sent to Vandalia, the letters came by hand.  John did certainly write as soon as he received it.  There was $2.50 due on the Salem College the 4^th of this month and there will be $2.50 due on it the 4^th of next July, making $5.00 but I thought you might as well settle the whole account at once, then it would be done and save trouble at some other time.

I had intended to write Barthollett Lee a letter but since he has gone to Kentucky, I do not know where to write to.  Then if I should write to him he might move before a letter would get there.  Taps is sounded.  Lights must be put out for it is nine o’clock P.M.  Hoping that you are well and asleep, enjoying pleasant dreams, I bid you good night and retire to my virtuous blankets.

William A. Smith