Coal Harbor Near
Richmond, Va.
June 8 th 1864
My Dear Mother
I am again Blessed
With the opportunity of Writing
you a few lines to let
you know that I am Well
at present. Hoping that thes
few lines may reach
and fined you in the Best
of helth. Mother We hav
Bin Marching and fighting
for the last 40 days. We are
lying in line of Battle 10
Miles North East of Rich-
mond. We are in 900 hunard
yards of the yankees, on
fryday the 3 day of June
We had hard fighting all
day, the yankees lost
[page 2]
on that day is said to Bee
10,000, our lost 500, the
yankees admit a lose of
75000 Men since the first
of May it is thought that
Grant is falling Back,
I hav not got time to Write
much at present. times
is all quiet hear, to day. But
I cant tell how long they will
stay so, Daniel Vameright
is killed or taken I cant
tell Wich. We had three
Men Wouned on the 3 of
June J L. Carey. Abner
Elexander. B. F. Castell
Mother I must come
to close at present
I Will Write againe in a
few days, Mother We are
faring Well for.
[page 3]
Something to Eat at this
time, and I hope that
you are doing the Same
Will close, May the
Lord Bless and Protect
you is my Prays
Giv Love to all in quing
friends if any Nothing
More at present. Only
I Remaine your affect
Son untill Death
Direct your letter to
Richmond. Va. in care
Capt John D. Biggs
Company. H. 61 st. Regt.
Chigman Brigad. and
Hokes D }
[page 4]
Dare Mother I Receivd
the letter that you sent
By Cager Perry, I Was
more then glad to here
from you, Mother I dont
Want you to try to git
me any cloths this year
for I can git all the
cloths I Want from the
Govnerment, Write sone
for I Want to here from
you veary Bad in deed. }
Edgar Smithwick