Vicksburg, Miss. Nov. 11, 1863.(Note: This letter is by Lieutenant, Frederick Smith)
Mrs. Parkinson,
I should have written to you before, but I have been home and was down sick all the way home and when I arrived, I was still worse. I thought I would give up this life, but I am still spared. I hope this will find you and the children well. I suppose Silas and McElhaney are doing their duty about getting William's affairs straightened. I don't interfere with them for everything was beset in their charge, but if I can do anything for you by way of hurrying things in everything which lays in my power, I hope you will not think me too bold in offering. I should liked to have seen you and William's brother when I went through to my home, but my leave of absence was for only 20 days, so I was deprived of the privilege, but I hope some day to see you all. I think if I can get about 20 acres of good land near Centralia with a cottage on it, I shall sell my place in Wisconsin and move to it, as the climate is so cold and my health is so impaired that I think it will be better for me. Please give my respects to Mr. Parkinson who was here, and I remain your friend, Frederick Smith, 1st Lieut. Co. B. 8 La, A. D. Vicksburg.
©2006 C.S. Parkinson