Gerrit writes as a prisoner of war in Ohio to his mother. He references his mother's letter from January 11, 1865, and says the other letters mentioned in the January 11th letter never reached him. He declares that "It is a source of sorrow to me, that I am opposed in principle to the balance of our family - but I am honest in my belief - act in strict accordance therewith - and hope & believe, that if I am wrong, I will be forgiven." He reports that letters from other family members have been sharp and that "most of the letters I have had from the north, seem to be written under the impression that I am either a fool - or that I have followed the course I have, for the fun of this thing & must be getting sick of it." He goes on to further justify his decision to remain with the Confederacy, and is upset that no one thinks he acted "honestly." Letter signed "G.S. Van Valkenburgh."