George to sister Jane

George to sister Jane

ElmiraDec. 8th, 1861Sunday Fournoon

Dear Sister,

It is with pleasure that I take this opportunity of writing to you. We are quite well though I have not been for a while back. Yesterday I catched more cold and last night I had quite a feaver and was rather bad off, but today I feel mutch beater. The sergant gave me some pills this morning and I feel better.

Sister Jane, Wellington Hugaboom (Pvt. Co. A, from Versailles, age 25) come in last evening. He brought some letters, one for me, one for Henry. Henrys written by you, mine by Clinton and Stephen. Jane I read your letter with mutch pleasure and was glad to hear that you were all well there at home.

Jane you are taking interest in your studies, which I am very glad to hear. You must bee diligent and attentive to your studies. If I could not study as I ought when I went to school, I can advise you can’t I Jane. You spoke about that Arithmatic that I left home. You can use it just as if it were your own. I had rather you would use it than not for I probably shall never use it again. For I shall have something else to do when I return from the war if ever I do & if not I sertenly want need it.

We have had marching orders several times & have them now again. I have not written before about our leaving for the seat of war but now I do. This Redgment will leave Elmira at 5 o’clock Tuesday evening for the sitty of Washington. If nothing happens to prevent us from starting at that time. It is possible we may not start until Wednesday though you may consider us on our way if you receive this in time Tuesday after Five o’clock P.M.

Jane, you must be a good girl, doo what you can to favor Mother and when you write to me write some for her. She would write if she could to Henry & me but as she cant and we know it we must write to her. Henry & I have not written to you mutch about those things you sent us but you cant guess how mutch good we took out of that butter that you sent to us. It lasted some time it was very nice.

Mother, that cheas you sent to us came very good. When I got a little lonesome & felt like eating something then I would gow and get a piece of cheas and eat it. I had the pleasure of eating the last of it last Sunday. And those tomato preserves went good and those dried charrys too. Mother this last can of butter makes three that you have sent to me. This one that you sent last is very nice. We had it for breackfast. The boys think we fair well for things at home.

Mother, we will send some things home, though we have not packed them yet. I guess we shall take our quilts, we will if possible. Good bye for this time. Mother bee careful of your health. Give my love to Mr. & Mrs. Parker and to all inquiring friends. Henry sends his love to all.

I ever remain your son & brotherGeorge W. Van Vlack

P.S. Top of first pageJane, you may give my love to all the young folks around there and you and Clinton gow when you can and enjoy yourselves when you can and be respected in sosity. Good bye Dear Sister