Van Valkenburgh, Robert Bruce (1821-1888) to Mary B. Van Valkenburgh
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC00686.23 Author/Creator: Van Valkenburgh, Robert Bruce (1821-1888) Place Written: Washington, D.C. Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 3 August 1865 Pagination: 2 p. ; 24.7 x 19.8 cm. Order a Copy
Signed "Robt" by Congressman Robert Van Valkenburgh. Writes to his mother to tell her he has just returned to Washington after a trip to Kansas, Missouri, Ohio, Virginia, and then to Elmira, Albany, and New York. Says his health is better than it has been in two years. When he was in Bath, New York, he sold his house and lot to Julia and Mary [Ramsey] and the rest of his real estate to other parties. Hopes to know what he will do in a couple of weeks. Also included is a note to his mother from brother Frank, which is all about family or friends. A note in what appears to be a third hand is cross-written over Frank's note, includes an illegible signature, and says "All well here."
Robert B. Van Valkenburgh was admitted to the bar and commenced legal practice in Bath, New York. He was elected to the New York State assembly in 1852 and again in 1857 and 1858. He was also elected as a Republican to the Thirty-seventh and Thirty-eighth Congresses (1861-1860) and served as chairman of the Committee on Militia. Van Valkenburgh commanded the recruiting depot in Elmira, New York, and organized seventeen regiments for the Civil War. He served as colonel of the 107th Regiment, New York Volunteer Infantry, and was its commander at the Battle of Antietam. After the war, he was made Acting Commissioner of Indian Affairs in 1865, and then appointed Minister Resident to Japan on 18 January 1866, serving until 11 November 1869. After his retirement he settled in Florida. He was appointed Associate Justice of the State Supreme Court in 1874 and served until his death in 1888.
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