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Regiment: 19th Indiana Infantry
Battles Mentioned:
Historical Figures:
Fort Craig/ Arlington Heights, Va. Feb. 2, 1862
Dear Father:
I received your kind letter a few days ago and was
happy to learn that all were well. The health of this regt.
is still improving. There are comparatively few on the the
sick list, not to what there were two or three
months ago. It is not known how long we will stay here.
Every day there is some new rumor about moving, but it is
generally thought that there will be a move made as soon as
the mud dries up. Night before last there was a slight fall
of snow, and last night was cold enough to freeze the
ground slightly, but it is as muddy as ever now. It is
quite pleasant out today. There has not been
a day so cold that a person was obliged to wear an
overcoat, unless they were out for some time. Sam
has gone out to Ball Cross Roads today with a squad of men
to guard the place. It is about three miles from here. John
Lancaster was out to see us yesterday. He has been staying
in Washington city for some time, but he is now on his road
home, I suppose. One of our boys from Cambridge City was
discharged, not being able for duty; also one from
Brownsville, who shot his finger off one day while on
guard. Two of our men have shot their fingers off. One of
them is now driving an ambulance. Have you seen Lieut.
Hindman yet? Sam, Asa, and I have as good
buckwheat pancakes as I ever ate. I sent to the city and
got a small sack of buckwheat. Tell George I got his
letter, and will answer it soon. Sam has not
received a letter from his father for some time. I got the
Jeffersonian last evening. I also got one of the same date
last Tuesday from Sam Elder. Give my love to all. Your son,
T. H. Benton
Feb. 3rd. Please send me some postage stamps. It is
impossible for me to get them here. T.H.B.
