Camp Grover
November 27, 1862
My own Darling,
Thanksgiving morning and I for the first time on such a morning away from my home. Last night as I thought of this whilst I lay down on my balmy couch, I might have been a little sad, being way from home, from Father, Mother, brothers & sisters, away from my sweet little wife and as many loving friends. But then as I pondered upon my situation, I found I had still many reasons for being thankful and having a Thanksgiving day, thankful that although far away, I still could hear so often from all my loved ones, thankful to the Good Father that has so kindly blessed us all with health & strength, thankful for many blessings which we now enjoy. And as I thought of these things, I offered a fervent prayer to Heaven for these many blessings and prayed that still further blessings might be given us—particularly that we might both be spared and live a happy, Christian life together, mutually aiding one another to advance still higher on the Christian pathway and ‘ere another Thanksgiving eve, I trust the Father will bless us and return me in safety to my own little wife. God bless her!
This morning all the boys in our tent have cleaned up the tent, blacked the boots, and brushed their clothes, and it is a pleasant, comfortable morning although has been quite cool. It reminds me of home. we appreciate such mornings as these because for the past week we have had rain and of course we felt decidedly uncomfortable. This morning as we went down to the brook to perform our usual ablutions the water was covered with quite thick ice—rather cool, I assure you.
We are going to have geese for dinner—a sort of stew. We were unable to get turkeys. The Captain pays for this dinner and we shall have a good relish for dinner. Just think of it—stewed goose & soft bread.
We have finished the stockade around our tent and as the tent is raised to the top and is three feet higher, you may judge of the extra room we now have. How I wish my darling could spend the day with me or rather, I pass the day with you in Roxbury, for if you were here, it would not be an hour before you would have half the regiment staring at you. The other day, there were two well-dressed young ladies riding by on horseback and half of the regiment rushed out to look at them so that I think I should prefer to go home to you rather than have you come here.
I am happy to say my cold is much better. My cough is gone and with the exception of hoarseness, I am well, and I am thankful for it for I should not care to be sick out here although I don’t fear it as long as I take care of myself. We have lost nearly a man a day for the past week or ten days although the number of cases of sickness are diminishing in number at present.
Last Sabbath evening there had been notice given in the company street that services would be held in one of the tents in the street adjoining. Charlie [Brown] & myself went to the place but found it crowded so we returned on our tent. The boys commenced singing songs—mostly old revival melodies and the like. We have few singers but somehow each one joined in and all seemed to enjoy it. I noticed this and I regretted my cold for I was so hoarse I could neither read nor speak, but whispered to Charlie and asked him to read certain selections from the “Soldier’s Companion” which I had taken from my pocket. Before he commenced, the sutler and one of our sergeants came in which put the boys aback as they saw the newcomers had come with the expectation of attending a conference meeting. They, however, continued singing & Charlie read his selections. The sutler stopped for a few minutes. After he left, I told Charlie I was about to make a prayer but I waited as I feared I should not be able to owing to my cold. But as they were about to close, I rose and offered a short prayer and I know it had a good effect upon our boys. At any rate, they came to the resolution that they would have a conference each Sabbath evening and I think they will be of great service.
We also think of forming a debating club. Charlie & myself have been away every night the present week but the others have had speaking &c. and seem to be interested in carrying on something of the kind. It is strange that almost by accident, as it were, a conference meeting should have been started and if I can make it of service, you may be sure I shall use my utmost exertions.
To show you the effect of prayer upon the different members, one of our men came in who has no care for religion at all & in his past life, has been a dissipated man. He as soon as he entered the tent and was aware of what was going on, took off his cap and listened with attention to the prayer. Then the boy Dodge of who I wrote, came bustling in but at the slightest intimation was quiet & still as anyone could wish. These little things are proof that every man instinctively has some reverence and however he may talk, has within him some feelings in harmony with religious thought and emotions. The next evening I shall speak and do my best towards influencing them for good.
And now, I trust my sweet darling will also use her Christian influence wherever she goes. I trust she may have a pleasant Thanksgiving and be enabled to enjoy herself and, if possible, I hope by this holiday I may get one extra letter. However, I don’t doubt my darling’s willingness to write. I forgot to mention that my box would probably be here today. Goodbye, my own sweet wife & believe me your own true lover, — Benjamin
The Civil War Letters of Benjamin Curtis Lincoln while serving in the 39th Massachusetts Volunteers 