Van Valkenburgh, Gerrit S., 1835-1885 to Mary B. Van Valkenburgh

Written by Gerrit to his mother Mary. Says he loves his relatives in the North and often thinks of them. Mentions that his brother, Frank, has already written about his release from the prison. Says the charges against him were false. Since he has been in Pine Bluff, he has been sick with chills and fever - he thinks typhoid. Reports that he is feeling better though. Says he boards with his employer, who is originally from Connecticut. Mentions an uncle who lives in Warren, Arkansas and says "their slaves - or former slaves - [are] still with them." The uncle bought a flour mill and his sons work there as well. Explains that Warren is a military post being garrisoned by "negroes - but they have had no trouble with them." Says his aunt is the superintendent of the Sunday School and that when he was there last they were holding "Negro meetings - reading the Bible and talking to them." He gives updates on his cousins, and comments that things are peaceable and that "The people are submitting with as good grace as possible to the necessities of the times."