In a message dated 06/05/2003 3:40:02 AM, ILMARION-D-request@rootsweb.com writes: << Marion Brimberry has entrusted me with a folder of Civil War letters by William A. Smith and has asked me to type one letter every day or so and post it to this newsgroup. I have typed the letter true to the spelling = and grammar of the letters in my possession. >> This letter is incredible! How wonderful of you to share it with us. I wonder if anyone has more information on this William A. Smith or his wife? In 1860 Illinois census there is a baby William T. SMITH, age 1, living with my 2nd great grandparents, the Rev. SS BRANCH and wife Elizabeth (Smith) Branch. They are age 58 and 57. Their daughter Mary was age 18 living with them in 1855 census in neighboring Wayne County but she is not there 1860. She would have been 23. Many questions here. Maybe she married William SMITH and for some reason was unable to care for the baby so her parents took it? Mary is not listed in her father's will in 1862, so she must have died and there is no further mention of the child until in 1913 when a Mr. and Mrs. Wm Smith attended the funeral of Mary's brother in Centralia. Again, thanks for sharing this letter. Carolyn Pray for our troops, and Remember, you have a friend in Oklahoma!