The J. Mark Smither War Letters (1861 - 1881; 1 book) includes family correspondence, newspaper clippings and a poem relating his experience fighting in the Civil War. The letters in this collection are mainly between J. Mark Smither and his mother, brother, uncle and sister. The letters include details about J. Mark Smither’s health, the weather conditions and the encounters of the members of the Hood’s Brigade; including information on any soldiers that were wounded and those who died. There is also correspondence between R.M. Powell and his sister relating his war experiences. The J. Mark Smither Civil War Letters Collection also includes newspaper clippings recounting the events of a particular attack near the Occoquan River. A letter dated July 16, 1881 noting that Hollingsworth was unanimously elected as the Principal of the Sam Houston Normal Institute is also a part of this collection.