2nd New York Veteran Cavalry

Item LTR-7325

Description

Original Civil War soldier's letter. 2 pages, written in period ink.


U.S. Marine Hospital
New Orleans, LA
April 14, 1864

Dear Wife Emma,

I now take this present opportunity to let you know how I am getting along. I am not well yet. But I think I am gaining slowly so that I feel quite encouraged. If I continue to improve I think I shall be fit for duty in two or three weeks at the longest. I hope these few lines will find you all enjoying good health and spirits. I suppose Father is making sugar by this time. How I should like some maple molasses just now. It seems as if it would taste good but a soldier must not think of dainties. I suppose you will save me a large piece and eat it for me too. It would do me some good to know that you was having something good to eat if I can’t. But oh dear Emma, how I do want to hear how you are getting along and whether the baby lived or not. Oh how I hope that it is alive to comfort you while I am in the Army. I have dreamed of seeing you with a baby for two or three nights. Last night I dreamed that I went home and found you in bed with a little might of a baby. I thought that its head wasn’t as big as my fist and I asked you if it was a boy or girl and you told me that you didn’t know which for it was so small that you couldn’t tell. You must write all the particulars and all the news. How do you get along with our folks? Do they use you well or not? How did you get used while you were sick? Did they take good care of you dearest? I hope so, for I would if I had been there with you. I shall feel uneasy until I hear all about it. Oh Emma, do you think that we shall take as much comfort ever again as we used too. I hope so and may the good Lord in his great mercy grant that we may live together again and that this rebellion be put down and this cruel war comes to an end so that the soldiers can return to their families. Emma don’t fail to pray for me and that we may soon be united, never to part again on earth until we part to meet in heaven. It seems as though your prayers would be answered. I pray for you every time. Oh how I should like to clasp you to my breast. It would be the most joyful moment in my life but we must wait and pray. But I must close my letter for this time. I will write again very soon if nothing happens in the mean time. Take courage and hope for the best. Write soon and often. Give my love to Father and Mother and all of the children and I will remain your truly affectionate husband,

George H.. Vandusen

Goodbye and may God bless you all.
Direct:
2nd Veteran Cav, Co. K
N.Y.S.V.
U.S. Marine Hospital, Ward S
New Orleans, LA