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| Field name | Value |
|---|---|
| Collection Reference Number | GLC00686.12 |
| From Archive Folder | Collection of the Van Valkenburgh family |
| Title | Gerrit S. van Valkenburgh to his brother describing life as a prisoner of war |
| Date | 11 January 1865 |
| Author | Van Valkenburgh, Gerrit S. (fl. 1860-1866) |
| Document Type | Correspondence |
| Content Description | Written by Gerrit as a Confederate prisoner of war. References his brother's letter of 23 December 1864. Is glad because the letter was "the first word of tiding I have had from you in answer to my letter & I began to fear that your displeasure at my course had led you to think that I was not worthy of a word from your pen." Reports that a Miss [Hill] gave him $211 and brought photographs of his family. Says she was the only lady he has spoken to since being captured. Says he arrived at Johnson's Island on 28 December 1864. Declares that his Christmas and New Years were not happy, but thanks him for the good wishes. Writes that the weather is cold and disagreeable, but that he does not have to be out in it. Wants word of their mother and father as well as other family and friends. Signed "Gerrit" and provides his cell number: "Block 5 Miss 1 Co 9 Johnsons." |
| Subjects | Civil War Military History Confederate Soldier's Letter Confederate States of America Prisoner of War Charity and Philanthropy Women's History Prison Camp Soldier's Letter |
| People | Van Valkenburgh, Gerrit |
| Place written | Johnson's Island, Ohio |
| Theme | The American Civil War; Children & Family; Women in American History |
| Sub-collection | Papers and Images of the American Civil War |
| Additional Information | Gerrit was the only one of the five Van Valkenburgh brothers who eventually sided with the Confederacy. |
| Copyright | The Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History |
| Module | Civil War, Reconstruction and the Modern Era: 1860-1945 |