Sept 16^th 1861

Benedict. S^t Marys Co. Maryland

 

Dear Sister

                        We arrived here last Friday evening, and will have to remain untill we get some grub. the wagons were expected in yesterday evening but by some cause they have not come yet. This place called Benedict, is on the banks of the Patuxent, it is composed of eight or nine houses, huddled closely togather. I did not count them, but I am certain there / is not twelve. we are about half a mile from the river. On last Friday we had a little excitement, in the morning, the cavelry captured an old secesher. he is a Major in the confederate army, or used to be, at presant he is a prisoner in the Federal army. a squad of four was detailed to arrest his son-in-law, the first file was taken, we went to his house, but he was gone. we took his horses three in number. we then went to the reble Majors store search it, and found a trunk full of epulett boxes, all empty except one; 1 sash, buttons and a lot of letters and notes. the Major had raised two C^os of Dragoons, one commanded by his son, (his name is James C Thomas) the other by a man by the name of Estep. among the the papers I found, I got the receit of Esteps uniform, 1 blue cloth uniform coat and pants $20.30; sash $3.00; epuletts 3 4.50; cap $1.00, makeing $31.80, for the whole, some of the white coats alone in our Regt cost $30.00. we also found / a keg and a half of powder and a few arms, and a letter from a Captain to his wife. this letter had not been deliverd yet (a kind of a PO was kept at the store) it created a broad grin as it was read. I will repeat part of it, "Today I am Officer of the Day, some of the captains are sick and consequently my turn comes oftener than usual. I think of you much, dream of you often, for a month the change was hard to be endured, but now I am accustomed to it. in my dreams the old bed room is pictured, the beraeuro beraeu is opposite the bed. the glass hangs on the wall, and you are by my side, but I wake to wake to find my self an alone in my tent. I then cannot help but breath curses on the abolition hoards that has drove me from a pleasant home and a happy Wife." Yesterday the cavelry (there are two Co^s with us) brought in twelve horses and two prisoners. they were after a secesh Colonel, his residence is in sight, but he escaped. we have plenty to eat, the secessionists have to suffer. their / corn, potatoes, chickens and so forth, suffers. it is hard, but the order from goverment is to confiscate all the property of rebellious citizens. we have great times getting hoecake from the darkies; it is made from with unsifted corn meal, water and a little greas, it can be made, baked, and ready to eat in 15 minutes. we think it excelant. The darkies are overjoyed at our presance. "lo'd bress yer massa I's so glad to see yu. We leave here in an hour or two. I recieved a letter from Jim Carpenter this morning. he was with the three months men. Ed is in Col Williams Reg^t. Co H. Washington DC. that is his address

 

Write and direct as usual, all letter will be forwarded to us. My love to all. Kiss Harry

                                                                                   

Your Affectionate Brother

Sam W Croft

                                                           

Three Cheers for Kentucky. hip hip, hurrah, hurrah, hurrah,

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