Camp Farnum, Jan 18^th 1862

 

Dear Sam.

                        I recieved yours of the 13^th, all right, and was glad to hear of your continued good health, a priceless blessing to the soldier, for while he has it, duty is light, he is capable of filling his place, and he is clear of the slaughter house (Hospital). We have had terrible weather for the last three days, rain and mud, it is now very foggy and raining. Our camp here is very much like Camp Wilkens was last spring, so far as the mud goes. I presume you are comfortable, with your new tents and stoves. there must be quite a number of you in one tent, a thing which I would very much object to. Our little mess of four is like so many brothers, whatever comes into the tent belongs to one as much as the other. I have not recieved a letter from home for some time. the last one I did get, stated that Mrs Couch formerly Emina Giller had a baby, but it had died. The Rebels continue to do a little fireing but it amounts to nothing. We had great preparations last week for a move but it has all blowed over. The affairs with England seems to be quietly settling down. Cap^t Wilks took Mason & Slidell from a British ship, and when in a British channel. Cap^t Wilks done wrong, but the Goverment sanctioned it, boath houses voted him thanks. Thus we struted insolently into a war, and backed out without honor, for the first time in our history. the American Eagle / has been made to cower before the British Lion. The dispatch recieved by the goverment, in Washington (soon after the capture of Mason & Slidell) from England was courteous, in language, but insolent in tone. We could illy withstand a war with England just at presant. these saucy actions of John Bull, will no doubt be settled at some future day. It is supposed that Mason & Slidell have been lost in a storm. if such is the case, the secesh will feel superstitious. I hope this will find you as it leaves me, in good health Dick sends his respects to you. Give mine to Sid Robb.

                                                                       

Your Cousin

Sam W Croft

 

P.S. How far are you from Washington.

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