Click here for this soldier’s biography:
https://micivilwar.com/authors/benton-thomas-h/
Regiment: 19th Indiana Infantry
Battles Mentioned:
Historical Figures:
Fort Craig, Va., Feb. 25th, 1862
Dear Father:
This is the first opportunity I have had of writing to
you for some days. Last Friday I was detailed to go to the
city as color bearer for the 22nd
and did not get back till Sunday evening. On
Saturday morning I with seven others went to the War
Department. And we each carried a Rebel flag from there to
the capital. It was the intention to present them to the
congressmen. But after holding a consultation, the
concluded not to do it, as they did not recognize the
Southern Confederacy as a nation. They would not honor
their flags as national ones. After staying at the capital
until four o’clock, we took the flags back to the War
Department and left them. Yesterday the wind blew most
awfully hard; it blew down my tent and tore it all to
pieces. Everything is the same as usual in camp. I got two
papers last night, the Jeff and Pal, and
a letter from Jo and Tommy. I must quit now as I have to go
out on drill. The boys from home are all well. Hoping this
will find you all well, I remain, Your affect. son,
T. H. Benton
