Nov 29
   Camp readbank, Mississippi   
   We started on a march last
wednesday and we marched three
days  to day we rested.   We
are expecting a fight before
tomorrow morning we are
close to Holly springs   we are
going to give the rebles
fight immediately within
8 miles of here part of our
army in are in Holly springs
we took one prisoner yesterd
ay   we have taken 260 to
day  we are going to take
or be taken tomorrow  
We have got a tremendious
army.  You have no idea how
I suffered on this march  
I give out every day and
fell out of ranks   I laid
their untill I got rested

and then I followed on
I have been sick ever since
I have been on the march.   It
will not do to tell you
how I suffered but it
was awf ul.  I dont know
what minute we will be
ordered to march again  
we are waiting for the
rest of the army to get
their places   we are going
to attact them on three
sides Grant is commander
 in chief   I have not much
time to write   the mail
is going out in a little
bit   We are about 50
miles of Memphis we have
seven milles to go yet 
our cavalry was driven
in by the rebles to day  

tomorrow is sunday and
you know that is the
day to fight and I expect
it will be done.  I have
not eat as much in four
days past as I ought to
eat at one meal.  I feal
a little better to night 
we f left 19 boys at Mem
phis in the Hospitle and
I ought to staid   I had
the chance but I want
ed to go but now I am
sorry that I did not  
I got a paper from you
the other day that suited
me very much   I have not
got but two letters
yet and none from any
body else  others get
letters why cant I

I know more than I have
time to tell you when
the battle is over if I
should be ^one of the  lucky ones 
I will tell you all abou
t the march and the
battle   dont be scared
about me   I am as luck
y apt to be one of the
lucky ones as any body
else  I will write as soon
as I can and I want
you to do the same you
will get the news of
the battle before you
get this letter   it is
roll call now   the drum is
beating   it is eight o’clock
     (signed)  B.W. Smith
          to       J.W. Smith