Headquarters Second Brigade, Second Division,
Fifteenth Army Corps, On Board Str. "swallow,"
Near Young's Point, La., March 10, 1863.
My Dear Mother:
As you will notice from my dates from shipboard, I have
changed somewhat the locus in quo since my last; fairly driven out by
the high waters. The Mississippi proved rather too much for the engineer, and
declined the narrow limits of the canal in paying tribute as called for,
therefore we had to “take water” for fear of being drowned. I suppose the
crevasses may be repaired, in which case we shall remain here till the
experiment of the canal is fairly tested. When I have more time I will write
you all about it.
I am glad you saw Sergeant White who, as lately from me,
could make himself interesting. I send all such, of high and low degree, to
you, because they can answer many a question and relate many an incident that
would escape my notice or memory.
I enclosed you a copy of petition from my entire brigade for
my promotion. I will send you copies of the endorsements of my commanding
generals, which were very handsome. It has not yet been submitted to General
Grant, who is, however, my warm personal friend and who will doubtless say as
much as the others. Then so far as the army is concerned, to use General
Sherman's own language, “my record is perfect.” I would not exchange it for
that of the best puffed man in America. If promotion does not come, my family and
friends at least will know that I deserve it; and I believe all proper effort
has been made to secure it.
March 13, 1863.
I have taken up my quarters for the
present with General Sherman; I found the boat unhealthy and disagreeable. I
shall write again in a day or two.
SOURCE: Walter George Smith, Life and letters of
Thomas Kilby Smith, p. 279-81
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