David D Smith was a native of Henry County, Georgia. He married Sarah on 15 September 1849 in Alabama and had four children: William, 1851; Martha, 1853; Nancy, 1858; and John, 1861.

As war broke out, he made his way north to enlist in the Union army. Initially, he served with Company F of the 21st Ohio Volunteers. He was transferred to the 1st Alabama Cavalry on 24 July 1862 in Hunsville, Alabama. He was given the rank of Captain in Company K.

On 3 May 1863, Captain Smith was captured during Streight's Raid and sent to Richmond, Virginia. He died 18 April 1865 of pneumonia at Officers USA Hospital in Annapolis, Maryland.

Sarah died in Centralia, Marion County, Illinois on 7 June 1866.

The following letters written by David D. Smith, while he was a POW, were found at the National Archives by Robert L. Willett, Jr., and he has so graciously shared it. They were transcribed by Glenda Todd.

Libby Prison
Richmond Va
Dec 13th 63

Dear Wife

this will inform you that my health is excellent & I hope it may reach you & the children enjoying a like blessing. I know that you must have had a hard time of it though I am satisfied that you endured it with chrystian fortitude. twenty months seperation from you & the children without communication has been the hardest trial of my life not knowing where you were or what you were doing though you must be aware that I never dispair when I think I am wright. I want you await arival with the utmost composure as the same God rules in Libby who rules the whole universe. I have prayed that justice might take place in my own cause as well as all others.

I pray Almighty God to give you fortitude to bear up under the tryals & troubles of this cruel & unnatural war & grace to save you in the world to come. you cannot be too carful in teaching the children the importance of religion & morality. I think that you had better get John or Andrew to go with you to Illinois (?) with you & teach school.

write me soon.

your affectionate Husband

D.D. Smith

Military Prison
Columbia SC
Nov 17th 64

Dear Wife,

This will inform you that my health is tolerably good and hope it may reach you as the ..... enjoying a like blessing. I received yours of the 24th Sept which is the only letter I have from you which I answered the same day first of this inst. I wrote you that I was in need of every kind of clothing and as I stated in answer to your letter I would be glad that you could send me a box containing the following items. hat, blous, shoes, socks & shirts, 2 pairs drawers 1 pr. pants. Provisions .... hams, dried beef 25 lbs butter 1 botl pepper sauce 10 lbs coffee 15 lbs sugar knife & fork. paper pen & ink all of which I want you to forward as soon as you get this. I want you to write me where my Brothers are & what they are doing including all you mayknow of our connection & friends. I have nothing to write that would interest you. Having no assurance of being exchanged soon you must get Andrew or Dallas to assist you in geting my pay ...... which you must manage as best you. The children are not at school I want you to keep them usefully employed so that their morals may not be corrupted.Dear Children I want you to be verry good so that I may be the more delighted in you when it may please God that I may see you.

Yours VC

D D Smith