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

Near Fredericksburg Jan. 8^th 1863

 

My Dear Father

                                    Having a few spare moments this morning I thought I could not use them better than pen a few thoughts home. I certainly think if we are called to pass through many more battles we shall be marked as two strange individuals, myself particularly. For thus far we are of the most fortunate in Battle and most unfortunate in Camp. And as regards disappointments I believe I am particularly doomed. I am about to tell you rather a strange story in which I played a rather conspicuous part and not a very enjoyable one, I assure you, and my friends call it a joke, and term it a practicle one, but one I hope they will spare me another time.

 

You will remember that in my first letter to you after the late Battle, I told you about my being at the Division Hospital from the effects of a slight sprain in one of my feet Also in assisting in nursing some of the wounded, and in order to get to my Regiment it was necessary for me to run away, which I did about the 18^th of last month, since which time I have been with my Company doing duty and Acting Sergeant. We were taken somewhat aback last Sunday afternoon just as we were getting ready for dress parade by a Sergeant with a gaurd came into our street and asked for myself and three others whose names I send you. No one could tell what it meant we were simply ordered to fall in and then after gathering a few others from other Companies we were marched over to Gen^l Wards Head Quarters where we found / a corresponding number from the other Regiments in the brigade and all like ourselves ignorant of what was in the wind. but as we were numbered off in marching order, with sufficient gaurd before and behind us, and two Drummers and a fifer in our rear, judge of our surprise when one of the Aids brought out a Placard with the inscription "These Men ran away from the Battle of Fredericksburg, but are always on hand for Pay and Rations" I at once protested against it, and asked for a hearing. I was told to keep quiet and do as I was bid. You might imagine my feelings but I could not describe them. to say that I was provoked would not express my feelings. We were then punished without a hearing by marching us back and forth before every Regiment in the Brigade with the fife and drums playing "Poor Old Soldier" After which we were taken again to Brigade Hd.Qrs. and dismissed and told to go to our Regiments. But I was determined not to go to mine until I saw something at least that looked like justice. I accordingly went immediately to the Gen^l Qrs and found him standing in front of his tent. I steped up to him in not the genteelest nor coolest manner I know and asked him what he meant by ordering me paraded around in that style. He looked daggers at me and asked what Regiment I belonged. I told him the 40^th he then said was you in the fight at Fredericksburg. I told him I was. He then turned round and went into his tent and called one of his Aids which brought a paper with my name upon it. after he had found my name he called the Sergeant of the Provost Gaurd and gave him the paper and pointing to my name said take this man to Major Lindsay / commanding the 40^th Reg't. and ask him if I was a stragler upon the 13^th inst. and if I was not, to bring me back and let him know but if I was to have me put immediately under double gaurd with two sentries over me. The result was the publishing of the order I send enclosed, and its being read to every Regiment in the brigade. In our Regiment the Batalion was formed in a square and we were called to the centre while the order was read. And for once in our life we were the centre of attraction. A few moments after the General and his aids came by and called us to the front of the Regiment and apoligized. I would like to have the order preserved as this is the original copy that was furnished us. Thus ended another incident of this horrible war. Some of my friends say I am very foolish if I should go into another action. But I look upon it as a mistake and treat it accordingly. Whilst passing the fourtieth Regiment I heard several times from the 87^th Boys "There goes Sproul I bet he's no business there", And I finally found out that I had more friends than I thought I had.

 

Wilson and I are still pretty well, although Wilson is complaining some of Rheumatism, and is excused from duty by the Surgeon. My foot is not entirely well yet from the sprain and makes me walk somewhat lame if I should go about two miles, it then begins to swell some, but as long as I am doing nothing around Camp it does not trouble but little. I have not yet been to the Dr's with it and will not so long as I can keep away from there, and can get around. Our duties are now light. Everything now / around is very quiet. But we think it only a calm before a storm.

 

I received a letter day before yesterday from Garret. I have answered it, also mailed a letter yesterday to Elisabeth. Capt. Geo. B. Carse who was dismissed from the service has since been restored and returned to his company. He is now our Commandant. I do not think him very popular in the Regiment.

 

            Remember us kindly to all our friends, and accept of much of our love. Write when convenient.

 

                                                                                    Your Son

                                                                                                Jonathan Sproul

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

                                                                                                Gen. Birneys Division

                                                                                                Gen Stoneman's Corps

                                                                                                            Washington D.C.

SOURCES