Difference between revisions of ".MjE.MjM"

Richmond May 26th<br />&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 1862<br />Dear Sister<br />&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;I take my pen in hand<br />to write you a few lines before the<br />Yankees get me. we expect a terrible<br />battle every day close to the city<br />as they are not more than a few<br />miles off. there has been some<br />skirmishing already and the<br />booming of cannon is distinctly<br />heard here indicating the Storm<br />approaching that is about to burst<br />upon us at any moment. I expect<br />to take part in the performance.<br />Jeff Davis say's he is deter-<br />mined to defend Richmond to<br />the last extremity. you know that<br />the Merrimack has been blown<br />up. what do you think of it.<br />I tell you what I think it<br />was. from what I can under<br />stand since that it was un<br /><br />neccessary if not criminal as<br />I see no good reason for so doing.<br />she could have laid at the mouth<br />of James River and protected<br />it from the ingress off the enemys<br />Gunboats. there is something<br />rotten in Denmark. a dispatch<br />came in to day stating that<br />Jackson had gained a victory<br />at Winchester. I hope it is so.<br />if the Yanks whipt us here I<br />shall despair of our success.<br />I wish we had Old Beaure<br />gard here I would have ten<br />times more confidence than<br />I have in the others all put<br />to-gether except Price and<br />Jackson. Johnston in my<br />opinion is too fond of retreat<br />ing and not fighting. that<br />is the reason I believe that<br /><br />the enemy is so close to us now<br />at the very gates of the Capital.<br />it is a wonder that they didnt<br />evacuate Virginia altogether.<br />when they have chances to attack<br />the enemy they wont do it. but<br />wait and look on gaping un<br />til Mc [strike-through] Mc Cllellan outwits<br />them and then they have to<br />retreat and destroy their<br />stores. we ought to have a General<br />like old Bonaparte. he never<br />waited for the enemy to attack<br />him but always attacked them<br />whenever an opportunity came.<br />Beauregard and Jackson<br />approaches nearer to him in<br />that respect than the others<br />he would went right into<br />Washington at Mannassas <br />if old Davis had let him.<br /><br />well let things be as they may.<br />look out for a small row<br />over here before many day's<br />in which I wouldnt be sur<br />prised if somebody should<br />get hurt. I understand you<br />dont receive my letters regular<br />although I answer you every<br />time you write. it is the<br />carelessness of the Post office<br />Clerk I reckon. give my<br />love to all and accept the<br />same for yourself. Good<br />bye until I write again<br />from your affectionate<br />Brother Henry W Smart