This first letter is transcribed, the rest are scans. This letter was not part of the Pension Application, but provides insight.

Virginia July 24

Dear Ma,

I write you a few lines to let you know we are still well and on our way to Battle for our homes and fire sides. We are now in a few miles of the enemy's line. I think we'll go to ___ Mountain. There have been one or to little fights up there. We will go up and try our hand on them. I reckon you have heard of the Battle of Manassa. I saw two men as we came through Lynchburg that was in the fight. They said we had 15000 against 55000. Our boys in killed and wounded was about 250. The other side no one knows but is known 1100 taken prisoners. (That were not wounded) and the wounded were coming in every day from every quarter. We captured $1,000000 amount of store 15000 stands of arms 60 pieces of canon and if reports are true, the yankees have not stoped running yet.

Well Ma, I reckon you will believe me when I tell you I was a little surprised see Dr. Fraser this morning. He is now in camp with us. Will leave this evening for the healing Springs about 15 mines from here. In a few days we may be in the enemy's land. They may surround us, but we will never fall unlys it is the Lord's will.

All of you must write to us. We may get some of your letters. Tell Bud Alie Dick Gab and all of them to write to us.

George joines me in sending our warmest love to all.

in haste your affectionate Son

M.F.Smith

In 1909, he applied for a Confederate Pension. The enclosed letters and documents supported his application.

This document is the "Descriptive List and Account of Pay and Clothing."

This certificate signed by Dr. Thomas certifies his wounds.

This letter certifies that he is disabled from his wounds.

This letter, presumably to the Pension Board, from Boyd Johnson, verifies his service.

This document is a request from the Board of Pensions to the Adjutant General for his service record.

This is the Adjutant General’s report to the Pension Board. Note that it has no reference to his being furloughed, and considers him to be A.W.O.L.

This is his response to the Board of Pensions explaining the circumstances of his being furloughed.

This appears to be a cover letter for forms being submitted to the Board of Pensions. I believe it was a cover for the Furlough document.

Here is the Furlough document, signed by General Winder.

This letter, dated September 9, 1914, informs the Pension Board that M. F. Smith has died, and asks that the pension be continued to Blanche. She twice applied for her own pension before she was awarded one.

This is M. F. Smith’s death certificate. It was not a part of the Pension Application package.