Elizabeth Lee Smith Civil War Letters Collection

This collection contains 116 letters written to Elizabeth Lee Smith during the American Civil War. The majority of the letters are from Jasper Newton Smith who Elizabeth would marry during the war. The letters concern the progress of the war and the budding romance between Jasper and Elizabeth. The remaining letters are mostly from Elizabeth and Jasper's family members.

Each letter has been transcribed alongside the original.

Jasper’s 92 letters detail the experiences of a soldier in the American Civil War. As he writes, he discusses battles, war strategy, and notable moments and people of the war. The letters also detail Elizabeth and Jasper's courtship before they were married April 10, 1864. In the midst of the war, Jasper uses his letters to court Elizabeth. He confesses his love to her throughout each letter, while discussing his current surroundings, health, friends and family, and war activity. Oftentimes, a poem or song is included in Jasper’s letters.

The other 24 letters included in this collection were written by the following people:

- Elizabeth's brother, Henry Lee (ENGINEER CORPS 1 ST BRIGADE, 2ND DIVISION, 16TH ARMY CORPS & COMPANY A 66TH REGIMENT VOLUNTEERS INDIANA) - Jasper's Brother, Christopher Smith (COMPANY A 66TH REGIMENT INDIANA) who was killed in action - Elizabeth's brother, Gregory Lee (COMPANY A 66TH REGIMENT INDIANA VOLUNTEER) - Elizabeth's nephew, Elijah Miller (COMPANY A 140TH REGIMENT INDIANA VOLUNTEER) - Elizabeth's cousin, CP Leatherman - Jasper's Lieutenant, Abraham Tengarden - Elizabeth's nephew, John A Smith - Elizabeth's Brother, Cam Ransom Lee (CORPORAL IN COMPANY A, 38TH INDIANA INFANTRY)