Company E, First Regiment Sickles' Brigade,

Camp Farnham, Dec 22^nd, 1861

 

            Dear Sister.

                        Your's of the 16^th was recieved yesterday eve. I was glad to hear of the good health of all. Governor Letchers speach, or Proclamation was read with pleasure, and interest. it was the cause of considerable comment, among the boys of the mess. We have not been so fortunate as our brethern in Missouria. Today we recieved official reports, that a fight had occured on the 18^th in Missouria. the Federal loss two killed, and eight wounded. the Rebel loss is not known. the Federal Army took 1300 prisoner and 1000 stand of arms, camp equipage, wagons &c, and compleatly routed the Rebels. We also have the report of a negro insurrection in Mississippi, and also of skirmish at Port Royal, which amounted to nothing. The folk in Pittsburgh seem to know more of our movements than we do ourselves. The Rebels do considerable fireing. the 11^th Massachusetts Reg^t had to move their camp. three shell were thrown into it, but fortunately no one was hurt. At night we can trace the course of the shell by the burning fuse. occasionaly one will burst in mid-air very much resembling a rocket. we can hear them whisling quite plain often it sounds as though they were coming in our own camp. they sing a death song unhealthy to the body. I believe that if the Rebels / had the exact location of our camp, we would recieve a token of their respect also. The prospect of us having a set to with them this winter seems poor, but we cannot tell what is going on at head quarters. it is better to live in hope than die in despair. we are ready for the order of an attact, and would obey it eagerly. the monotony of camp life is making old men of us. a fight would serve to loosen our joints, and secure a farm six feet by two, for those whose joints it would stiffen. Would it not be agreeable, should we have a fight, for you to get news of our defeat, half the Friend Rifles killed, the rest taken prisoners.

 

 Charles M Colvin, a member of the F. R^s. writes to the Chronicle, he writes a true letter. he neither adds to or takes from the truth. His letters can be depended on. The weather for the last two weeks has been very warm. today, the ice from last night has unmelted. My love to Mother, yourself, M^c, & the children. Kiss Harry for me. I wish you would send me his picture, have it taken some fine day as soon as you can. I woul also like to have Mothers if you can persuade her to have it taken. I shall send you mine the first opportunity I get to have it taken.

                                                                       

Your Affectionate Brother

Sam W Croft

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