Headquarters First Div., Red River Expedition,
Detachment Seventeenth Army Corps,
Vicksburg, Miss., March 9, 1864.
My Dear Mother:
I have promised myself the pleasure of writing you a long
letter, in which I should essay some attempt at description of the expedition
from which we have just returned; but scarcely have I taken a long breath ere I
find myself ordered upon active and increasing service. I am highly complimented
by my commanding generals, and promoted to the command of a division composed
of picked men and the very flower of the Seventeenth Army Corps, with instant
orders to embark for the Red River. I shall probably report to General Banks
and my destination is still South. My trust is delicate and highly responsible,
my command magnificent. No hope of home or furlough this summer. I had a vague
and latent hope that having served so long and as I believe so faithfully, that
opportunity might offer for at least the preferring of a request for leave; but
I never yet in this war have seen the time that I could ask a furlough, being
always on the march or in the presence of the enemy.
Enclosed please find the rough notes most hastily thrown
together from which was blocked out the official report of the expedition. It
is doubtful whether you can decipher or make sense of them — certainly more
than I can do. It is all I have time to offer you, and with the aid of the map
it may serve as some guide. We traversed the entire State of Mississippi from
the river to the border due east, driving the enemy at all points. Completely
destroyed the railway system of the State and returned leisurely, living for
the most part upon the country. It may chance that I have opportunity to write
you from the transports, in which case be sure you shall hear from me. Give
your earnest prayers for the success of this expedition. It may be the
turning-point of my military career. I am standing now on a dizzy height, lofty
enough to make a cool head swim. I feel the power within me to rise to the
occasion. Confidence is half the battle, but all is with God.
I have met General Sherman frequently upon the march, and
to-day saw him for a little while. He is the man for the Southwest. The
expression is trite, but he is the Napoleon of the war. In time to come you
will revert to some of my former letters and believe that I have written with a
prophetic pen.
My sword sash and belt have at last arrived, most costly and
elegant. Said, aside from the jewels, to be more elegant than the one presented
to General Grant. I wish it was at home to place among the archives. Much too
valuable for field service. There are two sashes, Russia leather belt and gold
sword-knot, all enclosed in rosewood box, lined with white satin and blue
velvet.
There will be a General A. J. Smith in this command, with
whom I will be confounded continually. He is my superior officer, an old man,
and an old regular army soldier graduate of West Point. I have been with him in
battle on three occasions. He is gallant.
SOURCE: Walter George Smith, Life and letters of
Thomas Kilby Smith, p. 355-6
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