Camp of 40^th Reg't. N.Y.V.

N^r Cedar Run  Oct. 31^st 1863

 

My Dear Father

                        Yours of the 25^th inst reached us night befor last and we were pleased to hear from you all again and to learn that it was well with you all at home. I wrote you on the 21^st inst, to Alice on the 22^nd inst. and to Sarah on the 25^th and Wilson mailed you one on the 26^th I presume you have received them all ere this. I think that is keeping it up pretty well. On the night of the 26^th we were unexpectedly aroused at 10 P.M. and packed up, and marched about three miles. We certainly thought we should have a fight. But did not. at 1 A.M. we lay down and slept till morning, and at 8 A.M. we moved out and kept moving about till 3 P.M. at which time we formed Camp / a thousand Yards from where we were in the morning. We are now lying quite a distance below Warrenton Junction. I do not hardly know what to call it some say it is just over Cedar Run. But I thought we had crossed that as much as twenty times before. I wish if you ever come across a map of Virginia you would send me a copy. Accompanying your letter was a paper, for which accept our thanks. At the same time there were two coppies of the Standard, one copy of the Keyport Press, and Monmouth Enquirer, sent to us. they had R. Ogdens name written upon them but they looked as though some other name had been torn off. And the writing being strange we do not know who to thank for them. I am glad to know that there is enterprise enough left to start a paper in Keyport. I hope it will succeed. I am glad you are so successful with your new Church building I would like / very much to be present at your dedication but I think the prospect now is slim. I did think a while back that I should be, for I did not think you would have it finished till after another year, but I am happy to see you have passed my expectations. I may yet be home should Mr. Cornell be successful in getting us a furlough. By the way who is Mr. Cornell. I know I should enjoy a visit very much especially if it was of any length. Those of our Company who were taken prisoner at Chancelorsville have spent from two to four months home. they took "French" furlough from Camp Parole, and came back when their exchange was published. I think I should have done the same thing in like circumstance. Wilson and myself are in good health for which we feel greatful. They have the Rail Road pretty much completed down to this where we are encamped. We have / no idea what our future movements will be but we are still in marching trim and I think we shall campaigne it until we are compelled to halt by Virginia mud and cold weather. We have now some very cold days and some very heavy frosts and thick ice.

 

I tell you we feel pretty cold some of these frosty mornings and instead of hugging our warm beds as we used to do when we were at home, we have to get out before daylight and hug the fire. I fear we shall have a severe winter of it. We were mustered today for October & September. Be assured of our Love.

 

                                                                        Your Son

                                                                        Jonathan Sproul

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

                                                                        1^st Division 3^rd A. Corps

                                                                                                Washington D.C.

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