Letter by James W. Vanderhoef, March 27, 1864

Libby Prison

Transcription of letter written by James W. Vanderhoef, from Williamsburgh, Brooklyn, who fought in the Union Army from 1861 through 1865. Please note spelling variations and errors are his.

"Libby Prison Richmond Va
March 27th 1864

Dear Sister
Your kind and anxiously looked for letter of Feb 28th came to hand yesterday finding me well. I am glad you explain that you have sent those letters although this last one is the only one that I have received since Dec month, I was holey unable to account for your silance and was somewhat angered at it. I hope you will excuse the tenor of my last letter, after you have taken, the way in which I am placed, in consideration. I feel assured you will. I can truly say that you of all the family are the one who has always held a steady corrispondance with me during my several absences from home. therefore I miss your letters most. Dear Sister I am happy to hear of the good health of my relatives and friends. My love to Uncle James and famely. I am glad he is better. I must mention that a number of letters for me will arive at your late resadence please make arrangements to get them. Also look in at the post office for letters to my address. I hear Henry is at Fort Schuler N.Y. I hope he enjoyed himself at home. Well if all goes as well as at present I expect to be home some time in April, for twenty days or so (Happy expectation) and this time I will make up for having missed Guillan last time. Remember me kindly to all friends. Love to mother, Jennie, Caroline, your famely, yourself, Guillan etc hoping to be home befor you have time to answer this. I will close.
From Your Loveing Brother
James W. Van Der Hoef
Capt 45 Regt N.Y. Vols
Columbia S.C."

For more on Libby Prison, see Documents 57, 62, and 63.

Other suggested Web sites:

45th Regiment's Battles and Casualties, Civil War (http://www.dmna.state.ny.us/historic/reghist/civil/infantry/45thInf/45thInfTable.htm)

Citation - Document 72
Letters of Captain James W. Vanderhoef
March 27, 1864
Brooklyn Public Library – Brooklyn Collection
www.brooklynpubliclibrary.org/civilwar