Henry Van Vlack to friends

Henry Van Vlack to friends

ElmiraDec. 8th, 1861

Dear Friends,

George & myself are well and happy to hear from you so often through the members of our Company.

We take pleasure in eating the Butter that you sent to us. Good butter is quite a luxury to us here, though we have plenty to eat & pretty good food, allowing me to judge. But Mother, your butter tastes like home and also reminds us of home & Friends.

Sometimes when the Regement is in line and marching through the streets of Elmira (which is quite often for the 64th turns out on all great occasions) I feel that I would not for worlds be engaged otherwise than I am. When Country Honor & All is at stake if it were not for my Country I never could make a soldiers life congenial. There are many things that makes a soldiers life unpleasant and yet if these are passed through safely it proves one of the best of schools.

A man, I find can school his mind and habits to suit his fancy if he desires to do so. When I left home I expected to be homesick and pass through many hard trials on first entering in the army. But I said with a firm heart, I will if possible conform myself to my fate, let it be as providence decides, and that has been my guide thus far. I think enough of Friends and Home, but that small voice is in my ears, it says to me (be contented where you are- duty first & pleasure & enjoyment after).

My eyes are getting much better. I can bear the sunlight well. Today is Sunday but I did a little washing for myself because I didn’t find time to do it before.

W. HUGABOOM & Frank PARKER arrived here last night all sound. Frank was examined today and excepted in the service. The sergon thinks he can cure his eyes, they are bad indeed.

We have not had over an inch of snow here yet. For the last few days the weather has been warm and pleasant. It seems just like spring. I was surprised to hear that you have had some sleighing.

John (brother – John B. Van Vlack - Sergeant in the 6th and 12th Regts., Wis. Vol. Inf) has enlisted and is going to Maddison to drill. I did think hard of John for writing to me as he did but it is all forgotten. He relents for writing and there is yet some hopes left to catch at. I hope we may be fortunate enough to be in the same division of the Army so that we could see him. I do expect to see him again in this life.

George is writing to Stephen & Clinton I will send this by itself if it makes it too heavy for one.

Lute Sheldon enjoys himself like a lark. He is fat and full of fun, his whiskers are getting so long and his face so full, it is doubtful of his own folks knowing him at first sight, though his laugh would betray him anywhere.

The soldiers are troubled with sore throat. George & I was troubled with it but the bottle of Magnetic that I got cured it in short order.

Clinton, if you go to the House Warming dance with the prettyest girl for me. I hear they are to have one at Nip Nellses. Jane, I received what you sent in good order & I thank you.

Father, what do you think of the state of affairs at this present time. I think it time that this suspense was broken and the continent shaking from pole to pole with the thundering of artillery & cavalry and the thousands of Infantry hurled in mass upon the vilest of Traitors. How long must this mighty power lie quiet in repose, not long I trust.

I shall not write again until we leave. We leave Tuesday or Wednesday this week without fail. We are to be presented with a regimental flag Tuesday.

(top of first page):I shall not write again until after we leave here. If we go to Washington you will hear from us there. Sam HALL is at the hospital yet. We are armed with Enfield Rifles. Some of the corporals are armed with the French Musket creased the same as the Rifles, and they say they are better to shoot than the Enfield Rifle. The Rifle is lighter and better finished and thicker barrels.

All good by until you hear from us.

H.G. Van Vlack 7th CorporalCo. A 64th Regt.N.Y.V.M.