Head Quarters, Sickles' Division

Camp near Falmouth, V^a.

Sunday, Jan 18^th 1863.

 

            Dear Sister.

                        I have been looking anxiously for a letter from you, but none comes. you have either not written or the mail has again failed to fulfill it contract. I wraped the picture, which I had of Mary Chambers, carefully up and sent it to you by mail. I hope you have received it. if so take care of it. if all the other things you have for me should go lost, it is the first I ever got from Mary and I cherish it as a treasure next herself. The case was getting / so delapidated that I was fearful of ruining the picture if I kept it longer in my possession I received a letter from M^r Chambers S^r a few days ago, the second since Marys death. I cannot express my admiration of it. it comes from a loveing jovial spirit. A large soul and a true Christian. A man who delights in his children and his wife, with a generous disposition that reaches far outside his own household, and a Christian spirit that bows with manly grace before the will of God.

           

Yesterday we received four months pay, from July 1^st 1862, to November 1^st 1862. I wrote to / Ben yesterday and enclosed a dollar for you for postage stamps sent me during last fall. I hope that Ben will get the letter all safe. Yesterday I received twelve copies of Harper's Weekly, with Ben's writing for the address. whoever sent them, must receive my thanks in return, they were truly welcome. We had marching orders for today at one o'clock but it has been postponed untill tomorrow at that hour. I understand that Sigel is twelve miles above us on the river makeing preparations to cross. from all reports I expect to tell you the next time I write of another reconnoisance of Burnsides, but I / hope it will not turn out as the last did. The weather here is remarkable, splendid for fighting, but rather cold to lay out all night with a severe wound. I am well and hope this will find you all the same.

 

            My love to All. Kiss Bub Harry for me.

                                                           

Your Affectionate Bro

Sam W Croft

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