Camp near Falmouth, V^a.

March 7^th 1863.

 

Dear Sister.

                        Your very welcome letter of the 23^rd Feb. has just been received. By some means it got into the First New York Reg^t, which accounts for its delay. I will change my address slightly, which will prevent any more such mistakes. The snow storm which appears to have been general all over the country on the 22^nd Feb. was the most severe we have been called to face since we have been in the Army. Our Brigade went on picket that day, and was four hours in marching six miles, the distance to the picket line from our camp. The snow in many places drifted to the depth of three feet. where the drift did not effect it, it was about 7 inches deep. Salutes were fired at noon / from several batteries, in honor of Washingtons Birth, but the report of each shot as it came strugling through the storm, sounded more like a signal of distress than a salute. I received a letter from Mrs Sarah Carpenter (Jims Mother) a few days ago. they were all well at the time she wrote, she sent her love to you all. What do you think of the Coscription law. rather rough on the men, is it not, it is very fair, all excepting a clause in the 13^th Sec: "or he may pay to such person as the Secretary of War may authorize to receive it, such sum, not exceeding three hundred dollars, as the Secretary may determine". "And thereupon such person so" "paying the money shall be discharged from further liability under That draft. But "such person" might be drafted very often, and have (if he wished to do no soldiering) a good many "not exceeding three hundred dollars as the Secretary may determine" to pay. It is to a certain extent throwing the work / on the poor man following in the wake of the European powers to much, it would be more like America (equality) to make all do their share, rich and poor alike.

 

I have not received the letter which you sent me, containing the letter for Sam Herr. Sam came to see me last Sunday week, at which time, he was in good health. The weather is blustery, and cold, with a good share of rain. I am well and hope this will find you all the same. My love to all. Kiss Boy Harry for me.

                                               

Your Affectionate Brother

Sam^l W Croft

C^o E. 1^st Reg^t

Excelsior Brigade

2^nd Div 3^rd Corps

Washington DC.

SOURCES