Lt. Colonel Edward Croft of Company “H” Ryan Guards, 14TH South Carolina Volunteers, also known as McGowan’s Brigade
“Your property, I hope is not and may not be lost—all at least. If the Negroes are safe—and I think will be so until next Winter—for I do not think the Yankees will invade Atlanta, until late in the coming year…. If we conquer, you will, of course, receive all your property. If we are conquered, why all will share alike—all will be losers. It is, in my opinion, going to be a long and bloody war and I believe we will come out at last victorious and that you and I will yet be happy and comfortable off in this world. ” Lt. Col. Edward Croft, 14th South Carolina, March 23, 1862
| Camp Pemberton—March 23rd, 1862 Your last letter I received a day or two since. Would have answered it before, but am again off on Picket duty. Not, however, as far from Camp as we were sometime ago. I am very sorry indeed, my own dear one, for how gloomy you are, and lament the causes which have led to it. But darling God works his ways and depend upon it. It will all prove for the best. And I love Mary, my own, Mary in proportion—to your, or our I may say misfortunes because my sympathy is combined with my love. You shall never suffer as long as I have anything to help you with. Write me freely and openly and let me know of all your troubles—and let me share them with you. Your welfare and comfort is nearest my heart. Your property, I hope is not and may not be lost—all at least. If the Negroes are safe—and I think will be so until next Winter—for I do not think the Yankees will invade Atlanta, until late in the coming year. By that time, Pezra ought to run off to Mi[ssissippi] or some other state—in a place of safety. I wish I had one now to cook for me. I could keep him safe and pay a good price for him. If we conquer, you will, of course receive all your property. If we are conquered, why all will share alike—all will be losers. It is in my opinion going to be a long and bloody war and I believe we will come out at last victorious and that you and I will yet be happy and comfortable off in this world. I truly hope so. So cheer up my darling, Mary, and remember that whenever you want advice or help of any kind, write to me and you shall have fully and willingly and lovingly all I have to the best of my ability. I am so disheartened, Mary that you are so lonely and unhappy, but darling you have just cause, but you shall never—as I said—suffer while I have a helping hand. Distress Mary, has been brought upon the whole of our people by this War and remember you are not the only one who has been surely afficated, and in this, God’s mercy, you will not be forgotten. Don’t complain, but please bear your afflictions with resignation and pray this remember, you and yours in His mercy. I am sorry for poor Florida and Bubba…but I am one of them who that all is for the best and will end well. I will take your advice about Jeb. Please write me freely and openly and let me know if I can help you in any way. Pezra ought to leave until he can place our property in a safe place. Write me fully, please, on all points. My love [to] all and Florida in particular. I am yours devotedly and truly, 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