C^o. E. 1^st Reg^t, Excelsior Brigade, US V^ols.

Camp near Alexandria, V^a.

Friday, Sep^t 26^th 1862.

 

Dear Sister.

                        Your welcome favor of the 22^nd I received on Wednesday and was truly happy to hear that you were all in good health, that Harry has grown so hearty as to beat his drum. if I may judge from our drums, he makes sufficient noise to let the folks know that he is alive and kicking or hammering. Kiss the young civilian, or I should rather say soldier, for me. Gen^l Hooker or "Fighting Joe" as he is more familiarly spoken of by the troops, is now a Major General, and has been assigned a new command. he was in the late battles in Maryland, and was wounded in one of his ankles. Gen^l Hooker is very highly thought of by all the troops that know him and especially his old Division. In time of battle he is invariable in the front. When off the field he is courteous and sociable. While under fire he is perfectly calm / showing excitement neither one way or the other. "Gen^l Joseph Hooker: The Soldier and the Gentleman. The Brave and the courteous."

 

            "Then we'll shout for Old Joe Hooker boys,

            That Gen^l Brave and true;

            The Hero of bloody Williamsburg,

            And likewise Fair Oaks too."

 

Gen^l D E Sickles now commands the Division and Gen^l Nelson Taylor (formerly Colonel of the 3^rd Reg^t Sickles' Brigade) commands the Brigade. We now belong to the troops defending the Capitol and therefore had no part in the battles since Bull Run. Our Reg^t today is out on picket. I was on Regimental guard yesterday, and was relieved at eight o'clk this morning, therefore I did not go on picket. I hope this will find you all as it leaves me, in good health. My love to yourself and all the rest.

                                                                       

Your Affectionate Brother

Sam W Croft

 

P.S. If it is of any service to Ben I think he could get a job with Martin. I got a letter from him the other day he says work with him is plenty.

 

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I received the papers which you and Ben sent me.

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