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https://micivilwar.com/authors/benton-thomas-h/
Regiment: 19th Indiana Infantry
Battles Mentioned:
Historical Figures: Louis Blenker, Rufus King
Fort Craig, Va. Mar. 1st 1862
Dear Father:
I received your letter last night and was very g1ad to
hear that mother was better. Since I wrote to you last I
have received a 1etter from Joseph and Tommy, and one from
Jesse. I have got more papers this two or three weeks past
than I know what to do with. I got a Jeffersonian from you,
and one from Sam Elder last week, and a Palladium from
someone else. Last night I got a Pa11 and a Cincy
Gazette from Joseph. I see amongst the list of those
wounded at Fort Donelson there is a John Benton of one of
the Illinois regiments. Do you know whether it was one of
our cousins, or not? There are so many of them
that I can’t remember their names. I be1ieve in my last
letter to you I stated that I had been detailed as co1or
sergeant for the 22nd of February.
I have been busy for the last two days making out the
muster rolls for the pay. We were mustered for our pay
yesterday, but I guess we will not get it soon, perhaps for
two months. It is quite a tedious job making out those
muster rolls. I had to make out four different ones. Day
before yesterday we received marching orders, to be ready
at any time. The order read that there would only be four
wagons allowed to a regiment. Every regt. on the Potomac
have the same orders, and in a few days there will
be a grand forward movement. It is thought that it will not
be until next Wednesday. But General King
was in camp yesterday, and he says we
may move in two hours. But he thinks we will not
move until Monday. One brigade of Gen. Blinker’s division
has already gone forward; but I think not farther than
Falls Church. It has been quite cold for two or three days
past, and there has been a strong wind blowing all the
time. The roads are getting pretty good, and if the wind
keeps on for a couple of days more, the roads will be
dusty. We have got new tents and have to carry them in our
knapsacks. One tent to two men, and they are so
made that they can be divided and each take half of it –
which only weighs four pounds. They are only to keep off
the dew and some rain, and will be a good deal better than
nothing. They are about six feet long, and four broad,
shaped. Both ends are open, and
are fixed so that the tents can be buttoned together.
Lieut. Castle sent word that he would be back today, and
stay with us if he could. He has never been withdrawn from
the regt.; only on detached service. I do not know whether
you will get this letter or not. I heard that no mail was
allowed to leave the city. I have no more to say at
present. Hoping this will find you all well, I remain, your
affect. son,
T. H. Benton
If ever it should happen that I was taken prisoner and
should get a chance to write to you, I will write a double
letter. After reading the letter, hold it up to the stove
until it gets hot, and another letter will show forth,
written with water and sugar.
