ON BOARD STEAMER FANNIE
MCBURNIE,
NEAR LOUISVILLE, Feb.
18, 1862.
MY DEAR WIFE:
I was very much disappointed yesterday at being prevented
from bidding you and the dear little ones "good-bye." My heart is
quite full now, and I hardly dare trust myself to write. My command was ordered
by telegraphic despatch. I got the regiment in the cars promptly and in good
order, was the last man to embark, and from my anxiety to see that none was
left, was left myself. This threw me back one hour and a half. At Cincinnati I
was compelled to take command of two steamboats, two being required for the
transportation of the regiment. We were compelled in order to preserve
discipline to tie one of them to the Kentucky shore, and I was all the
afternoon crossing the river in a skiff or yawl between the two boats. I did
not dare at any time to leave the command long enough to come to you. You must
keep up a brave heart, dear wife, I shall soon come back. Meanwhile, I am sure
I have some friends in Cincinnati who will care for you.
I am writing now in a hurry, surrounded by a legion of
officers and soldiers. I will write more at length from Paducah. I am seizing
now the services of a pilot going ashore. My troops are all in good health and
spirits. My own health is good. God bless and preserve you.
SOURCE: Walter George Smith, Life and letters of
Thomas Kilby Smith, p. 180-1
No comments:
Post a Comment