Sunday, March 27, 1864 - Cowan Station, Tennessee

Cowan Tenn Sunday March 27^th 1864

My Dear and beloved Daughter Ella

It is with a great degree of pleasure that I am permitted at this time to answer your long and well writen letter which I received this morning was glad to hear that you were well and I hope this will find you still the same we have had an inspection to day of every thing the report is that we have had marching orders to go to the front I dont know whether there is anything in the report or not, I have been to meeting heard a very good sermon our church was out in the open air though it was very warm and pleasant in the sun, I have just seen Charly Doyel he spoke about you so I showed him your picture he thought it was natural as life but he thought you had grown beyond all acount, I am glad to hear that your are willing to take a Fathers advice I hope you will remember and do as I have told you in regard to all that I have writen to you from time to time then I shall be most happy to meet you some day I hope not far hence dont expose yourself to the small pock if you have not I must close for am getting scant out for room be a good girl and help your mother all you can my love to you from your Father A.C. Smith

PS you must write to Horatio in answer to your letter that he wrote you