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

Near Fredericksburg Jan. 6^th 1863

 

Dear Brother Garret

                                                                                                                        Your welcome letter came to hand this morning and was glad to hear that you were all so well especially that it is so well with Jane. We have all of us great reason to be thankful on account of the merciful dealings of Providence. I rejoice too because you have plenty of business to occupy your time. Wilson and I are still well and in good spirrits, but hope the war will be over before long. I congratulate you upon the addition of another to your family. I hope you will be successful with it and in time it may prove a blessing to you.

 

There is nothing transpiring now of much interest with us. Our corps which is commanded by Gen. Stoneman and is composed of Birneys Division, Sickle's / Division, and Whipples Division was Reviewed yesterday by Gen. Burnside.

 

A rather Practical Joke was played upon me the other day a full account of which I will write to some one of you soon. It came very near being rather a serious affair, and on account of which I have gained a little notoriety if nothing more. We have not much to do now to occupy our time, and the days hang rather heavy. We have but little reading matter, except an occasional Daily, which we buy for ten and fifteen cents each. I often wonder if Willie grows much and if he laughs as he used to and if I should come into your house whether he would meet me at the door and say "Oh, Uncle Jontie." I hope I will try him some day. I wish Garret you would ask James if he sent for my valise and old knapsack, and write to me. I think I have mentioned it in three letters but as yet he has not / said anything about it I have thought perhaps he did not get some of the letters. If so I should think he would hint at in some letter for I know he has got some of them. If he has not sent for them by this time they will not hardly be worth sending after now. Also whether Caroline received her letters. We are rather inclined to think a number of our letters are lost. We saw Stephen Van Arsdale again the other day, also quite a number of other Jersey boys in the 29^th N.J. It makes a very pleasant place for us to visit. But I would as "leaf" visit Jersey City I believe, as visit 29^th or any other Regiment. And last sunday I did not know but that I should make you a visit or die in the attempt. But all things considered I have come to a different conclusion.

 

I wish in about two months time you would send me those stamps. Wilson sends his love to you all and is glad in reading your letters /

 

Give my love to Jane and tell her I hope she will be quite well soon My love to Willie, and kiss Flora Bell for me, and keep much of my regard for thyself. Write when convenient.

 

                                                                                    Your Brother

                                                                                                Jonathan Sproul

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

                                                                                                Kearneys Old Division

                                                                                                            Washington D.C.

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