Click here for this soldier’s biography:
https://micivilwar.com/authors/benton-thomas-h/
Regiment: 19th Indiana Infantry
Battles Mentioned:
Historical Figures:
Camp opposite Fredericksburg, Va. July 26th, 1862
Dear Father:
I received your letter last night and was glad to hear
that all were well. We are still in this camp but
still expecting every day to leave. There are now two
regiments of our brigade out on the advance. They went out
day before yesterday.
We have not heard anything from them yet. A few days
since, the battalion of the 3rd Indiana Cavalry, which is
stationed here, went out about thirty miles toward Richmond
and routed some of Stuart’s cavalry, and captured
forty horses and a large number of arms without
the loss of a man. It is thought we will go out tomorrow to
take the place of one those regiments that are now out.
There are no troops of any consequence between us and
Richmond; only a few left as guards and sentries. Gen. Pope
has issued an order that all citizens shall either take the
Oath of Allegiance, or go beyond the lines. I think there
will be a noisy time when they come down on the citizens of
Fredericksburg.
Captain Mansfield, from the 2nd Wisconsin Regt., who
was provost marshal of this district, has been arrested and
sent to Washington for aiding the Rebels. He was
engaged in sending them salt, etc., and forwarding their
mail. Give my love to all. Affectionately yours,
T. H. Benton
