Headquarters Second
Brigade,
Second Div.,
Seventeenth Army Corps,
Natchez, Miss., Sept. 27, 1863.
My Dear Wife:
My reception at Natchez has been very brilliant, splendid dinners,
suppers — all that sort of thing, with speeches, and songs, mirth and hilarity.
My command is magnificent. I have six regiments, and a battery, one regiment
cavalry, one of mounted infantry. My quarters are literally a palace, one of
the most elegant houses in or about Natchez, situated in the most lovely
grounds you can imagine, within about a mile from the city.
My troops are all camped close around me on the grounds of neighboring
villas, which, combined, have heretofore given the name of “Dignity Hill” to my
own general encampment. One of my regiments is in town on duty as provost
guard. The residue keep close guard and watch upon their chief, and no baron in
feudal hall ever had more loyal subjects. The rides and walks about are all
most charming, especially at this season of the year, and I am in a constant
state of regret that you cannot be here to enjoy it with me. If there was any
indication as to how long I am to remain, I would send for you; but I may be
ordered away at a moment's notice. Indeed, I have no expectation of staying
here more than eight or ten days at the furthest. I shall either be ordered
back to Vicksburg or directed into the field. Meanwhile I shall take the good
the gods provide me.
SOURCE: Walter George Smith, Life and letters of Thomas Kilby
Smith, p. 338-9
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