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Regiment: 19th Indiana Infantry
Battles Mentioned:
Historical Figures:
Fort Craig/ Arlington Heights, Va./ Jan. 25, 1862
Dear Father:
I received your letter yesterday and was glad to hear
you were well. I was very much shocked to hear of the loss
of my kind and loved sister. I did hope that I would get to
see her before she left this sinful world, but it was
ordered otherwise. I heard of it before I got your letter,
through Wilson Jones. Dr. Wood returned last night. He said
that he called at the store, but it was closed, and
he did not get to see you. But I suppose you heard of it
through J. P. McCown. It is thought in camp that there will
be an advance made as soon as the weather will permit. Our
regiment has been ordered to get ready for the field. The
troops are now in good fighting order and ask for nothing
but to be taken into the field. It is very muddy here, and
it is almost impossible for men to march. We did not go on
picket last week on account of the roads, and will not have
to go for two weeks now. But when we do go, we will have to
stay on the outposts one week. And I think before
that time, we will be stationed on the advance of the Army
of the Potomac, probably at Falls Church. If the Rebels
fall back, we will go to Fairfax Court House, which is
about 15 miles from here. The enemy’s pickets are a short
distance this side of Fairfax. There has been no trouble
with the pickets for some time. It has not been very cold
here yet; not cold enough to freeze water half an inch
thick. It freezes a little during the night, but thaws
during the day, and that, with a little snow and
considerable rain, keeps it very muddy all the time.
Lieut. Hindman has gone to Indiana
on recruiting service for this regt. He said he would call
and see you. I tried to get to go with him, but they would
not send two from the same company. Lieut. Col. Carnerson
left here on a furlough, and I understand he has been
promoted to colonel of the 34th Indiana, by that we
lose our best officer. I wish this war was over so that I
could come home, but I do not want to come until
everything is settled. If I was there I could do nothing in
these dull times. Give my love to mother and all the rest.
Tell George to write. Yours affectionately,
T. H. Benton
