Lt. Colonel Edward Croft of Company “H” Ryan Guards, 14TH South Carolina Volunteers, also known as McGowan’s Brigade “We are in half mile of the Yankees and under the anger of their guns….” Lt. Colonel Edward Croft
Camp in four Miles of Richmond—June 29th, 1862 Chickahominy River My Own Dear Darling One You will see by the heading of my letter that we have again changed our Camp and now are in four miles of the Capitol—and also near the late battleground. We are in half mile of the Yankees and under the anger of their guns. Our ? was badly wounded near here today by one of their shells. At any time they wish, they can shell our camp. And they do shell some part of our line more or less every day. They go up every day in their balloons and take observations of our whereabouts. They have paid us especial attention in that respect. Today we are seeing a very tough time indeed. Marching and Picket duty all the time. Well this with the very hot weather make us wish again and again for the speed termination of the war. Besides other more cogent reasons that this which you darling are aware of. Well, darling again, I have received a long letter of complaint from you…. I will now darling argue the point with you and try again to reassure you…that you do look so much on the dark side of the picture. Well, darling you know I cannot prevent or account for Father’s conduct towards you. Would to Heaven I could. How much happy I would be. In the next place, Mary dear, I never intend to measure my love for you by that of my parents. If it has appeared so to you, I am sorry for it. It must be father’s treatment of you that causes you to think so. If my writing to you [more] frequently than I do my parents would make them jealous of you and cause them to treat you more harshly than they do—which is the best course to punish. To irritate them by writing or to adopt a course which would keep them quiet and to ensure you thereby more happiness and peace while with them. Which would you prefer? To say that I am afraid to declare openly my love and attachment for you is altogether incorrect. If my actions irritated my Father, it would, of course, darling fall on you. Well I ask you, is it not but to act otherwise? When the proper time comes, I will then declare and treat you as my wife should and shall be treated. I would not write to you this, darling, if but were I not certain of your love. And that you were likewise sure of mine. Think well, and then what you say, I will do. Is that fair? I have not received a letter from any of you now nearly in ten days or two weeks. The mails are going to long. I am sure your have not received all of mine. Excuse my paper, as I have none other. Also, [excuse] the writing as I am writing on my knee. My love to all at home. Write soon and believe me my dear, always yours truly, in love, Edward. |
Read the Croft Letters: Aug.6, 1861 ~ Aug. 18, 1861 ~ Aug. 21, 1861 ~ June 29, 1862 ~ March 23, 1862 ~ Nov. 10, 1862 ~ Jan. 26, 1863 ~ March 4, 1863