Camp Good Hope                  

Aug 19^th 1861            

 

Dear Sister.

                        Your good and very welcome letter came to had yesterday evening. This day one year ago I wonderd where I would be on my 22^nd birth day. I said to myself, I'll be working for M^r Martin, little did I think that I would be 'listed in Uncle Sams service for three years. I wonder now where I will be on my next birth day. "I'll be sent to the happy land of Cannan" long before that I suppose. I like the life of a soldier very well, it considering the state of our country, / but I would steal for a living before I would soldier in times of peace, it is the laziest life I ever got at. M^c speaks of Sam Herr thinking himself bad treated. I am not surprised, for I dont think that Sam ever thought seriously of what he was going into, in every respect. It is a serious change in a mans mode of living, from a home of freedom and plenty to one of the strictest disciplin, when the order is given obey it promptly and effectively, asking no questions, no matter if it were to shoot your own brother. if a soldier refuses to obey any order he is punished. every soldier whether officer or private must obey his superior officers command. if the Cabinet orders Gen^l Scott must obey. Sams health is delicate, he is naturaly disposed to complain anyhow, but one thing is certain he is no worse or better treated than anybody else. It has rained two days out of three ever since we have been here. / we are perfectly dry and comfortable, the hill which we are on is coverd with six feet of white gravel and sand, the water soaks away as fast as it falls. three days ago I washed a handkerchief and two towls, and hung them on a little pine tree just in front of our tent to dry. they are weter now than when I hung them up. Saturday we had our guns changed. we now have the Minnie or Rifle Musket, springfield and Harpers ferry make, dates 1858/59/60 rased sights, for from one to ten hundred yards. they are about four lbs lighter than the mules, as we called the old ones, on account of their kicking propensities. We are all in good spirits, confident of success in the end. no one doubts but that the fighting will be severe. I have no idea that the grand army will move untill the frosts of fall begin. My love to Mother and yourself, and all the rest. Respects to M^c Kiss Harry for me.

                                                                                   

Your Affectionate Brother

S W Croft

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