Camp Scott, S. I. June 23^rd 1861

 

Dear Sister.

                        The Captⁿ arrived all safe Friday evening. I am very thankful for your kindness, Mother not forgotten. The Capⁿ told me that Mother had bought a book for me, for which she had paid a dollar, when he came to open his trunk the book was not there, but there is a big box comeing for the company, it may be in it. Yesterday we were sworn into the US Service for three years if not sooner discharged, but one man in the company refused to take the oath, that was the Orderly Sargeant 4^th officer of the company. 

 

We are all as usual in good health and spirits. They were going to take our second Leutenant from us and appoint a West Point Cadet in his place. this went against our stomac. we began to make preperations for laving, when they came to the wise conclusion of leting our officers remain as they were, and gave us a written agreement to that effect. we musterd in and took the oath at once. We almost shook the Captⁿ to pieces whe he arrived, there is five times more affection in our company between the officers & men than any other company on the ground for my part Capⁿ Brunn has far surpassed my expectations of him. My love to Mother yourself & Feilbachs. Respects to M^c, Kiss Harry for me. Remember me to all who may inquire. Sis you must not feel / uneasy because you have not plenty of gold, for my part I am in the best of spirits, there is many a poor devil in the army who has never a friend to send him a cent of money or a word of kindness and advice. True we may never meet again, but for my part I am eager to lend my aid. if I fall it will be in a good cause, but some will return to their friends, and I have as good a chance as any one. I am cannot express my gratification at the news of Ben's escape from the Southron Hell.

                                                                       

Your Affectionate Brother

Sam W Croft

 

Friend Rifles, Captⁿ Brunn

            Excelsior Brigade Camp Scott

                        Staten Island NY

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