C^o E, 1^st Reg^t., Ex Brigade.

Camp near Falmouth, V^a.

Tuesday, Feb 3^rd, 1863.

 

Dear Sister.

                        Yours of Jan 28^th arrived yesterday. Marthas of Jan 22^nd containing the songs arrived several days ago. She has enjoyed the sled riding, I judge, from the interest she took in telling me about it. It is a pleasure which little folks in this country have not enjoyed yet this winter. I am glad the picture has reached you at last. I had began to think it was lost. The charges of cowardice which M^cClellans enemies bring against him are false. I have seen him my- / self, three times, where a piece of lead or iron might have let day light into him, and not went out of its way. Hooker now has command of the "Army of the Potomac". My opinion is the first time he gets into a fight with the Rebel Gen^l Lee, he will get whiped. He is a splendid fighting Gen^l, but as a stratagist I have no confidence in him. If M^cClellan lay quiet a week, there was a terrible hubbub raised. Burnside could lay idle for a month, get defeated, and nothing was said. M^cClellan was slow, but I dont think it would take him four weeks to move pontoons one-hundred miles. The North have kicked out the best, and onley, / man capable of copeing with Lee, when they kicked out "Little Mac". I think the war will be settled one way or the other by the 1^st of June next. In three months more, the time of the two year and nine months men will be up, who then will constitute the Army to oppose Rebellion? Why us three year vets, what is left of us. A scanty crowd. To-day I received a letter from Jim Carpenter. he has been discharged from the service, and is now at home. He was discharged on account of a disease contracted in his throat. he says that he is now almost well, and is thinking about enlisting again. The same day on which he wrote to me, I wrote / to his Mother, inquiring about him. "Gallant Dan Sickles" has been orderd back to his Division.

 

Give my love to Martha, and tell her to write to me again. I hope this may find you all well as it leaves me. My love to All. Kiss Master Harry for "Uncle Sam".

                                                                       

Your Affectionate Bro

Sam W Croft

 

Address to:

C^o E. 1^st Reg^t.,

Excelsior Brigade.

Washington, D.C.

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