87^th Regt. N.Y.V.

Hunters Creek Spring Hill

near Alexandria Va.

Sept. 5^th 1862

 

My Dear Sister Libbie

                                    Your letter with no date came safely to hand yesterday and gave us the glad assurance that you were all well. We were longing to hear something from home and your letter was the only one that has found us as yet. We did not receive any mail since Aug. 14^th until yesterday and then it was only a partail one we will receive the rest I expect if we wait long enough. Your note found us enjoying first rate health and feeling rather jovial withal, enjoying the Luxiers of Camp Life as well as might be expected, especially taking in consideration no tents & Hard tack. Nights are pretty cold now with dew and many of us have not even the shadow of a blanket, and many that have blankets they are but mere shaddows /

 

I was glad to hear you had plenty of company as it must appear quite lonely at home when Alice and Caroline are away, there used to be so many of us when we were all at home. I should think it would look strange to see only four of you. The news that Mr. Slater was going away from Keyport took us somewhat by surprise. I should like to hear where he is going to and what his prospects, and what are the prospects of the church at Keyport. I was glad to hear that we had another little niece and I like the name very well more on account of the memories of the past than anything else. I hope Sarahettie will be as lovely as little Sarah used to be when she was in the flesh. I wonder Libbie what you have done with the Grants I have not even heard a word about them or from them in any way since we have left New York. You have not even mentioned their name in a single letter. I wonder what is the matter. I hope the name has / not become to sacred to use in a letter to us in your estimation. If I had my knapsack with me I would send you a sheet of note or letter paper as I judge from your last you are short of paper. I guess that will be enough fault to find at once, and if it makes you angry because I complain of the shortness your letter, If I were in your place I would for vengeance sake sit right down and write a letter as long as my arm embracing all the news that had transpired, and that should come to pass. Wilson is as hearty as ever I think you would call us both hearty if we should both call on you just about dinner time. We often think of you at home, and would like to get there ourselves if it were possible. I think we will know how to appreciate the comforts of a home if we ever get them again. We have seen enough of Virginia and tread upon plenty of its "sacred soil". If this war lasts much longer its soil will be indeed sacred on account of the thousands upon thousands / that have sacrificed their blood upon their countrys altar. Surely, when will rebellion say it is enough, and return again to its alegiance. The fighting has been hard and desperate upon both sides, and God only knows who shall finally prevail. I think our prospects are still bright and the cause of Liberty shall yet prevail. And the fabric our fathers reared is founded on to firm a foundation to be uterly overthrown after nearly a century's growth.

 

Dear Libbie I wish you could visit us and see the sights about Alexandria and Washington. I reckon you would get tired of listening to the stories we would have to tell. But never mind war will be over one of these days, and we will make it all up when Wilson and I come home, the longer we are here the more we shall have to tell when we get home. Remember us to the Grants, especially George, the Dorns, especially Mr & Mrs. John Dorn, and all our friends in Centreville. And kindly to Uncle Joseph's family. How is Emeline getting along.

 

We send our love to all, particularly those at home. I am coming one of these days over to Jersey to be introduced to those new friends of yours. Write when you can. I expect you have fine times now with Water Mellens &c. Just you eat one for me.

 

                                                                                                Good bye

                                                                                    Jonathan Sproul

Co. C. 87^th Regt. N.Y.V.         Kearneys Division      Heintzleman Corps   Washington

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