29 January 1865
Van Valkenburgh, Gerrit S. (fl. 1860-1866)
Autograph letter signed
Title: to Kate Van Naven
Writes as a prisoner of war in Ohio to his sister Kate in Wisconsin. Seeks some sort of reconciliation with his family. Begins by asking "Can you take me by the hand, and greet me as a Brother? or will that world Rebel - Traitor, come to your lips before the [other one]?" Says he has not heard from her in a long time. Asks for an update from her. Adds that he is glad that all the husbands of his sisters have decided to stay home rather than fight. Saw a sleigh the other day for the first time in five years and mentions that it reminded him of "those good old days when I used to handle the…
GLC00686.15