Sunday, May 11, 2014

Colonel Thomas Kilby Smith to Eliza Walter Smith, August 20, 1862

CAMP NEAR MEMPHIS, Aug. 20, 1862.

MY DEAR MOTHER:

Our army here is now being thoroughly disciplined. Parades and reviews are of daily occurrence. On Saturday, as Chief of Staff to General Sherman, I witnessed a fine review of General Hurlbut's division. Yesterday our own brigade was reviewed. It is considered the most soldierly body of troops in the Army of the Tennessee. Our Brigadier-General is a terrible martinet, but well calculated to make good soldiers. I assure you, a parade of such a brigade as ours is an imposing sight.

I send you my “carte.” Can you recognize any likeness to the little whitehead who clung round your knee lang syne?  He’s had some rough encounters with the world that opened so bright upon him, since those days at Dorchester. The image of his young mother is ever before his mind, her dear bright eyes still gaze into his. He dreams he still feels the impress of her kiss.

SOURCE: Walter George Smith, Life and letters of Thomas Kilby Smith, p. 236

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