Headquarters Second Brigade,
Camp Before Vicksburg, March 16, 1863.
My Dear Mother:
I have changed quarters again and am now domiciled in a
tolerably comfortable home under the same roof, and messing, with General
Sherman. My despatches are delayed, and I now open my package to advise you of
the receipt of your affectionate letter by Captain McCoy, who also brought me a
small keg of whiskey, most acceptable.
I note your enclosures and all you say about my promotion.
As you will perceive by the enclosed testimonial (not the copy I intended to
send — a certified one from headquarters, and which for the present I intend to
keep) that my record is as near perfection as anyone could hope. I am satisfied
and can afford to wait for my country as long as she can wait for me. You have
done everything, and I have not been backward. We need not worry about it.
General Grant and General Sherman have done everything for
me they could — will do anything I ask that they can do. I know I am honored
with the friendship of both and the entire confidence of one.
If you do write to General Grant, and I cannot say whether
it would be advisable or not, I would rather the letter should not come through
me, or know anything about it. I do hope you received General Sherman's noble
reply to yours; it was due before the dates of your letter March 3d.
You must not suppose me reckless; I am not so. It is true I
have been singled out for many a shot, and God alone has protected me, but I go
upon the battlefield to do my duty; nothing more. I take no risks that the
service does not demand. I think too much of my family to throw away my life.
SOURCE: Walter George Smith, Life and letters of
Thomas Kilby Smith, p. 281-2
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