Camp of 40^th Regt. N.Y.V.

                                                                                    Near Fredericksburgh Dec 8^th 1862

 

            Dear James

                                    Your long looked for letter written on the 1^st inst came to hand yesterday afternoon and I assure you were made glad to here again from you. You have our hearty excuse for the delay in your corespondence with us, although we would like to hear from you oftener, we know you must be very busy in your business espcially this time of the year, and I am sure I have caused you a greatdeal of trouble in running after those fellows I mentioned and must have occupied a greatdeal of your time. I feel very grateful for what you have done and think I shall rest satisfied now to be a common soldier as a private in the ranks, fighting for the comon good of our beloved country. Whilst I feel that I have been wronged I shall endeavor to make the best of it, and do my duty as a soldier no matter what my rank. You must excuse in me whatever may have looked like impatience. I confess I have been very anxious, and perhaps have allowed my anxiety to get the better of me. We have winter now in earnest, the weather being extreamly cold. we had a few days since about four inches snow and it has been very clear and cold ever since so that but little of it has melted. Yesterday it froze at midday when the sun was very bright / The nights are extreamly cold our tents are nothing but a sheet of ice both inside and out, and our blankets are covered with a white frost, Also our hair on our heads. our canteens freeze up solid, so much so that wilsons bursted yesterday. My Ink, also froze and I now use borrowed ink. This Kind of weather tries us considerably, especially considering our very exposed situation. last winter we had larger and better tents and could have fire in our tents, but now it is quite impossible. There was a rumor circulating in camp yesterday that four men had frozen to death during the two nights previous in a adjoining camp. We hug our camp fires very snugly which is none the best for our eyes, for the smoke will get in them, and when we lie down at night we have to hold a regular crying spell before we can sleep. It is more mild today and melts some in sunshine. we had a Batalion drill this morning and by a little Double Quick have got warmed up a little. I believe Packages are now coming to the Army from their friends. If you know it to be a fact, and can without much trouble send me some things I would like it right well But not if it causes you much trouble, nor unless you are sure it will come. I would like a good pair of Boots costing about four and or five dollars, high tops, with Iron or steel upon the heels and toes, and about the same size of Gov. shoes No 8^s I think No. 9 is about it. A M^cClellan style of Military Cap with a glazier, the Visier of the cap setting out square to the front, and about the size that will fit you, costing from / $1.00 to 1.50 one that will not fade. A dozen paper collars about your size a narrow neck tie, two wollen shirts, any color but white or red, and if possible get them with pocket on the left side of them. A common Pocket knife with two or three blades, not too heavy. And I dont care if you send me a small bottle of good brandy. A little Writing Material, Christmas will soon be here and the eventful year of sixty two be numbered with the things that were. I wish I could make a flying visit home but it is impossible. Although our Colonel is now in N. York upon leave of absence, Col. Tho. Egan is his name. If Col. Dodge was not so hard feeling toward him I would ask him to go and see him.

 

Dear Brother we often think of you and others at home and love to hear of your prosperity not only as touching things pertaining to this Life, but in spiritual things you are daily being blessed. I would like to hear how you are getting along in your new church and how your young Pastor is liked. I presume you have by this time received my last letter to you written a few days since. I sent one to Caroline. I also wrote home a few days ago. Whilst we were in Maryland about two Months since I wrote you in regard to a Valise of mine left at Alexandria, but as you have not said any thing about it I think the letter must have been lost. I also about a year ago sent you my Parchment Certificate as Sergeant of the 87^th Regt. I have doubted many times whether you ever received it /

 

I wish you would send me a map of Virginia if you ever come across any, those published by the newspapers are good enough I almost forget where we are and how much farther we have to go ere we get to Richmond. I think the prospect is that we shall be here some time yet in the neighborhood of Fredericksburgh. In my last letter I ask you to send me some Postage stamps. You must not think hard of us for asking so much from you when your time is so precious. But we really do not know who can do it so well as you. but Garret will aid you if you have not time. Bye the bye I have not heard from Garret since I wrote to him whilst he we was in Md. I hope he and Jane is still well and full of business. Wilson says send him a pair of Boots the same as mine, and a pair of Gloves, that is, if you send any at all. they will all come in the same Package.

 

Wilson and I are still in good health and pretty good spirits and shall brave the storms hoping it wont be long and the anchor of peace will come by and by. And then wont we have jolly times at home talking over the past, and so forth Write us a few lines when ever it is convenient. And remember us to all of our friends. We send you much of our love. When this month is past the Gov. will owe us six months pay.

 

                                                                                    Your Brother

                                                                                                Jonathan Sproul

                                                                                                Co. C 40^th Regt. N.Y.V.

                                                                                                Kearneys Old Division

                                                                                                            Washington D.C.

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