...manding the Brigade, he can be heard from one end to the other distinct and plain. in all he is a fine looking man, a pleasant man to talk to, and a good General to his Brigade. his military quality must yet be tested. I have not the least doubt of his ability. He is now trying to get up a uniform, different from any in the Army, for the Brigade; he has already given us two uniforms. There is something grand in Militare, which fasinates me occasionaly, but, there it stops. I would not be a soldier in times of peace, not an officer. my objections to military life, is its close similarity to a monarchy goverment, all the power invested in a few, the subaltrans being mere machines. You will say, to make an army effecient, this must be, a fact which I am perfectly conscious / of but those who like it may follow it, in times of peace. Colonel Dwight says that a good soldier is far superior to a good man. he may have the soldier, but the good man is my choice. Our quarters here is very comfortable. we have our tent built up two feet and a half high with logs the tent set on top with a regular old fashioned fire place, the dimension to suit the size of the house. Last night it rained very heavy all night. some of the messes have a hole dug the size of the tent, which sits over it. every one fixed so had several inches of water in them A great many built small huts with clay roof. they leaked wofully. at daylight the camp looked as though it was flooded. my tent stood it beautifully, dry and warm.

 

Decb 2^nd 1861. I recieved your letter dated Nov 17. I am happy to hear of Cousin Lizzys well being, and good luck. The snow is at present two inches deep, and still falling. Tomorrow there is to be a review of 9 reg^t infantry, and one of Cavelry, Sickles' Brg^d included in the number. I got 7 letters this eve, one from Cousin Sam Herr, he is well. My love to Mother yourself M^c and all the rest. Kiss Harry for me.

                                                                       

Your Affectionate Brother Sam W Croft

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