Camp of 40^th Reg’t. N.Y.V.

                                                                        near Fredericksburgh Va Dec. 5^th 1862

 

            My Dear Father

                                                I embrace the opportunity of a stormy day to write home a few lines to assure you of our good health through the goodness of a kind Providence. It rains and snows together, and is quite cold, And we seek shelter under our small tents. Although it is quite cold we feel very thankful that we have this privilege for tis not seldom that we are denied this comfort but have to remain in the storm. Wilson is upon gaurd today and is now upon his beat but will be in again in short two hours. We have been supplied with clothing which make us feel quite comfortable again. we have new shoes, overcoats drawers and pants and make us more like ourselves again. We have written letters whilst upon the march and since we have been here but have not learned of their safe arrival I received a letter from Sarah the other day, and Wilson got one from Libbie last night. I have written one to Caroline one to G.C. Grail Jr. two or three to James since I have written to you and one or two to you which I have not heard from And Wilson has written three or four letters. I have been anxiously looking for a letter from James for a long time past but as yet silence is the only answer we get. I think / I have written him some half dozen letters since he has written, but I suppose he is very busy this time of the year which prevents his writing. We were upon inspection yesterday and inspected by Gen. Birney. We were to be inspected again today by Gen Stoneman or Gen Burnside, but the rain prevented. We have brigade drills every afternoon when the weather will permit, and most every forenoon either company or Batalion drills. Gen. Ward has now command of our Brigade, Gen. Birney the Division. Gen. Stoneman the Corps, Gen. Hooker the Centre Grand Division, And Gen Burnside the Army. Our Captain was dishonably dismissed from the service a few days since on account of cowardice in action and other charges. his name was G. B. Carse. Our second Lieut has been sick at washington ever since we have been in the company, and I understand has resigned and gone home. Our first Lieut is here but has been too sick for over a month past to command the company. A Lieut J. R. Stephens now commands our company he belongs to Co. K. Our Colonel, T. Egan has gone to New York to recruit up his health. And Lieut Col. Garver is in command. Captain Riley of Co. E was dismissed the same time of our Captain. A number other Officers have resigned. We manage to use our ration of Hard Tack and pork, and would use more if we had it. We understand the Government / will now send Packages and boxes to us when sent. if it is true I will have James send me some things which might be of use to us. Our mail has been very irregular, and seems to be a good while in getting to us. I cannot understand this for N. Y. papers get here the next day after they are published. The Presidents Message has reached us. I think it a masterly document especially upon the subject of emancipation. I certainly think all parties ought to compromise upon his plans, even to the most radical Abolitionist, and the fiercest pro Slavery Democrat. I think all parties not willing to save the Union upon this compromise are not Union Men, but traitors and ought to be treated accordingly. There was rumor last night that Fredericksburgh was evacuated and a portion of our army crossing the Rapahannock River. But it needs confirmation. We are not called upon Picket as we were to be. But we expect our turn will come before long.

 

I cannot write more now for my fingers are benumbed with cold. Write us when you can. Wilson received your letter to us.

 

                                                                                    Your Affectionate Son

                                                                                                Jonathan Sproul

                                                                                                Co. C 40^th Reg’t. N.Y.V.

                                                                                                Kearneys Old Division

                                                                                                            Washington D.C.

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