Camp Scott,               

Staten Island,

New York.

July 19^th 1861

 

Dear Sister.

                        I recieved your wellcome letter yesterday. We are all in good health and spirits, hoping for the best, which some would call the worst, that is, that we may soon be in active service. The news from Western Virginia is very good, but the rebles occupy Fairfax Court House, which does not sit well on our shoulders. They are not retreating so precipitately without some motive. Manassa Junction, and Richmond are strongly fortified, and / I believe will be the scene of some desperate fighting. if they do not make a stand at these places, they will make a stand no where. The time of our departure is set for next wednesday, the end of the World was set several times but it has not come yet. I have quit believing all reports, I have turned skeptic. I dont think we will know any thing about it, untill twenty-four hours before the time, and then we will seal march under sealed orders. Wilson's Regiment left in this way Currigans also, boath of them were camped on the Island. Since writing the above, we have had a two hours drill, and dinner consisting of a pint of bean soup two water crackers, the size and shape of soda biscut, and a piece of / fat bacon, who wouldn't be a soldier, 'a horos that. It was reported yesterday evening that the third Regament had marching orders, it went like wildfire through camp. in a little while it was discoverd to be a report onley. immediately tounges ceasd to move, mouths closed, and marching orders have not been mentioned since. Our Colonels name is Dwight, about 5ft 6 high, heavyset, and boyish looking but a fine man and a good Colonel. the Friend Rifles or rather Friend Muskets, he thinks considers himself themselves as good as him, he watches them like a hawk, but very seldom is he required to chide them for any neglect or carlesness. He gave the Rigament a double quick, about a quarter of a mile yesterday afternoon. part of the distance lay through a field of dewy berrys, but he did not runn any. he stood off and wached the movement. he is opposed to double quick for himself; so is Captain Brunn. / he refused to let me go in to bath last night, so I took the responsibility on myself. four of us runn the the pickets, all safe and had our swim. Cap^t allowd we would get into trouble by our tricks; right side up with care Cap^t, if they are sharper than we are, we will bear the punishment with out complaint. I heard from Steubenville, all is right. My Love to Mother, yourself, Kiss Harry. My respect to M^c. Remember me to every body who thinks worth while to enquire. I had a letter from Ben last week.

                                                                       

Your Affectionate Brother

Sam W Croft

 

Address

Co E. 1^st Rig^t, Capt Jacob Brunn,

Excelsior Brigade, Camp Scott,

Staten Island NY

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