Co E. 1^st Reg^t Sickles Brigade.

Camp Fair Oaks, June 13^th 1862

 

Dear Sister.

                        Your welcome letter of the 7^th has been recieved. The Chronicle of the 28^th May which you sent me came in yesterdays mail. I am sorry to hear of J D Herr being in such poor health, this is first I have heard of his sickness lingering. I am very happy to hear that Uncle Feilbach is abel for duty again. I got a letter from Esther a few days ago, stating the departure of her soldier for the wars again. When you see Mrs Brunn again, give her my respects, also that of the Co. and tell her that all the officers in the Army could not fill the vacancy left by the death of our lamented Cap^t. "Old Jakey" as he was / familiarly, but not disrespectfuly, called by the boys, was more like an elder Brother than anything else. But he is gone, gone, gave his life blood in defence of the Good Old Flag.

 

You wish to know how the Friend Rifles are officerd, and whether I am promoted. (promotion is not my ambition. I wish to see the Union restored) There has been no appointments among the non-commissioned officers yet, nor is there likely to be, on account of the Co being so small. Of the Commisiond officers now commanding us, I can say they are the poorest in the Reg^t. Our 2^nd Lieu^t John M Dredger knows nothing at all. he makes no pretentions, he is liked better than our 1^st Luffy. In former days / he was office boy for Dan^l E Sickles, from thence, his promotion. Our 1^st Lieu^t Van Buran Bates, is a bag of wind, detested by every man in the Co. were he to be killed, a squad would have to be detailed to burry him, no one would volunteer. We are endeavoring to get a transfer of officers to get Joseph B Zeigler, first Lieu^t of Co F. (formerly Orderly Sergeant of our Co) in place of 1^st  Lieu^t V B Bates, of Co E, the latter to take Zeiglers place in Co F. The requisite paper has been made out, every man in the Co has signed it, also Lieu^t Zeigler & Bates. it is now in the Majors hands, who I have no doubt will approve it, after which all that is wanted will be Dan Sickles' signature. / Lieu^t Denniston has been promoted to Cap^t of Co E, we have been eagerly looking for the time when he would take command, but yesterday we got word from Pittsburg that his arm had to be taken off. it is not positive news, and we hope it is not true. M^cClellan served the Rebels a very mean trick yesterday morning. the RR is half a mile to our right. we have a large commisary depot over there, and a large amount of troops also. The rebels had thrown up an earth work for a battery, to shell our commisary depot, but when they came to mount their guns, little Mac wouldn't let them. The consequence was an artillery fight of two hours when the Rebs had got up and skedaddle. My love to yourself, M^c, and all the rest. Kiss Harry for me.           

 

Your Affectionate Brother

Sam W Croft

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