This place is a little town of a dozzen houses called Charlott Hall.

 

Charlott Hall.             

St Marys Co.

Maryland.

Sept 16^th, 1861.

 

            Dear Sister.

                                    I recieved yours of the 10^th, and also one from Cousin Hettie dated the 11^th. A soldiers life is a pleasant thing in a good cause. I write this in answer to boath you an Cousin Hetties, send it to her, for her to see that I still am alive and able to eat hearty at the table. Hettie you must excuse me, for not writing to you direct, but my opportunities are so slim—, if we ever get settled I will not forget you. Well Sister I wrote to you this morning, we are now eight miles from that place. this is a hard country to march in, the roads / are cut by travel, (the country is all sand) an renderd very loose. our feet gives away, we go two steps back to one forward, we have our knapsacks with us too. but I do not speak for my-self, I have never once thought of giving out. I feel as well this evening as when we started, but I am well, hearty, strong, and doeing my country a little service. I did not come for money and good living. my heart beats high, and I am proud of being a soldier. when I look along the line of glistning bayonets with the glorious stars and stripes floating over them, the fife and drum sending their soul stiring strain far over valley and hill, knowing that the bayonets are in loyal hands, that will plunge them deep in the hearts of those who have disgraced and seek to trampel in the dust, that flag that which has protected them and us, their freedom and ours, / I say again I am proud, and sanguine of success. We arrived here about six o'clock, searched the church, and found three muskets, some empty cartrage boxes, and several belts. the Regament is quarterd around the church. in the morning a thorough investigation will be made. The Adjutant detailed 10 of us to search a little house, about two hundred yds from the church. a slave told us that it contained arms. the search has been made, we found six very small US flags, and one splendid silk large one, two swords, 35 muskets, and 50 or 60 belts. they are marked US, but what is the reason that the white men all absent themselves, no one giving us a welcome not even in a look. they are secesh, the slaves say so, we see and feel it is so. they carried the stars and stripes in bull runn and several other places. we intend taking the flags and arms. the people are to cold and distant to be friends; this little / house is which the 35 guns and 50 belts are, is a post office, that ten of us detailed are sleeping in it to night, as guard. I am writing on the PM^s desk in one corner. the boys are lying permiscuously over the floor, regailing themselves with a peacful sleep on a hard bed. it is the first time for me sleeping in a house since I slept in the old house at home. I did not see Sam Herr. Tell John to excuse my writing to him untill we get settled. you can let him know my fate. Mother asks me about Ben, does he not write home. I have recieved no answer from him yet. Give my love to Mother, yourself, Cousin Hettie and all the rest. My respects to M^c  Kiss Harry

                                                                                   

Your Affectionate Brother

Sam W Croft

 

Cap^t Brunn had better stay at home the C^o is fast comeing to believe he wants to stay.

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