Bolivar Heights, Sep 28th 1862
Horatio Woodman, Esq.

Dear Sir
I received your communication relative to the death of Sidney Smith last night and I will hasten to reply. The names of the men who were with him I cannot send at present as Henry Slater is a "paroled prisoner of war" at Anapolis and Corporal William L. Adams is severely wounded at the hospital at Frederick Md, but I certify that Sidney Smith was killed at the Battle of Balls Bluff Oct 21st 1861, and that his body was left on the field, and if any other testimony was needed than the rolls of our Company, it can be found in a letter which was sent to ?? Smith last spring taken from a rebel soldier which he (the soldier) took from ?? Smiths body on the field.

If I can do anything that will be of any service to Mrs. Smith I shall be happy to do.
I remain your obedient servant
Edward J. Russell
2nd Lieut Command Co F
15th Reg MV

P.S. Said Smith was said to have been wounded in the chest and died shortly after and at the time was in discharge of his duty.
EJR