Dated June 11, 1862
Richmond, Va

Dear Wife I received your letter this morning and was glad to hear that you were well. You mentioned that you had only received one letter from me. I think I have sent you four. I make a rule to write to you once a week. My chance is so bad to carry ink and paper. I cannot write as often as I wish. You and the connection must excuse me for not writing more. Tell them all to write me for I would be glad to get a letter every day from some of them.

We are camped on the Chickahominy river in sight of the enemy. They are on one side of the river and we are on the other. We expected a fight before now, though we cannot tell when such a thing will happen. Mary you wanted to know if I've heard any preaching. I haven't been to but one sermon and that was a missionary Baptist at Guinea Station. Camps are a very wicked place though I do not neglect prayer or my promise to you. You will please not forget me. Tell all of the connections to pray for me. For if anybody needs prayer it is me. Camp life is very hard though I am getting along tolerably well at this time.

Mary I want to see you badly. I did not know how to appreciate home until I came to the war. I would give almost anything to see you and the children. I have been much grieved thinking about you and the children. I am some better reconciled than I have been. I could not keep from weeping when I saw the sweet children’s hair. Hug them for me and consider the same for yourself.

I hope to meet you all on Earth once more. This closes by saying; I remain your loving husband until death.

Joseph A. Smith
2nd Lieutenant
Thomas Brigade
Georgia 45th Regiment Dooly Volunteers

Joseph Smith is my great great grandfather. Joe was killed in action on May 12, 1864 at Spotsylvania and is buried there.