Lt. Colonel Edward Croft of Company “H” Ryan Guards, 14TH South Carolina Volunteers, also known as McGowan’s Brigade
I now see no prospect of Peace. Nothing but War—War—War! And God only knows when and where it will stop. But I wish and hope and believe that I will survive the War and will yet make you my wife before long….” Lt. Col. Edward Croft, 14th South Carolina, March 4, 1863
| Camp Gregg, Va.—March 4, 1863 My Dear Love Your last very interest and sweet letter I received some day or two ago—and I hope in this you have received my last. You will see in there, how very miserable…your letters made me. But your last made me as happy as the others made me miserable. Now ask me why I can’t tell you my place…. Certainly I can darling. I then was under the impression the war would stop shortly and then I would immediately if possible muster [out of] the Army. And then having a permanent position would take your dear self unto me, as my beloved wife. But darling, how saddened has this fond hope been–I could almost say crusted out. I now see no prospect of Peace. Nothing but War—War—War! And God only knows when and where it will stop. But I wish and hope and believe that I will survive the War and will yet make you my wife before long. And how would it do to marry anyway, War or no War…. The objection to this is that supposing I survive the War, which I pray Heaven to grant, I would then not be certain of employment. But my first and greatest wish and anxiety—after this War—is to get a place that would supporter us permanently and independently of any one, whomsoever. We again have quite cool weather. Very windy and damp. I am glad you girls have some nice company. I hope you may continue to enjoy yourselves. I am glad you are so much pleased with Mrs. Stover—I wish I could se her. You had better give hermy love. God bless you darling and believe me ever yours devotedly. Ed Croft. |
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