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to Samuel Watson Van Nuys

GLC07687.130

to Samuel Watson Van Nuys

Travels to Switz[?] recently for a family meeting. Samuel Voris [relationship unclear] was buried the day they arrived for the meeting. Describes the effort at home to gather clothing for soldiers ("Jake Davis....says he has a wagon bed full.")...

GLC07687.109

to Samuel Watson Van Nuys

Daily activities around the farm. Resumes letter two days later (3 November), and again mentions the outbreak of typhoid fever. He has heard that one fourth of Capt. William's company is sick, and that John Hervey [Harvey?] Voris accidently shot...

GLC07687.110

to Samuel Watson Van Nuys

Good condition of the hogs at home. Speculates that the price of pork will depend largely on the actions of the Army. Expresses frustration at the Army's general lack of progress and frequent change of ccommand.

GLC07687.111

to Samuel Watson Van Nuys

Reports general news from home ("Aunt Emma is no better...."), inquires where they are likely to spend the winter, and again laments the Army's lack of action, although he commends the Navy: "Our naval expeditions are playing smart with them Sauf...

GLC07687.112

to Samuel Watson Van Nuys

Discusses the fine yield of c orn for th year, religious services, and the clergy. He reports more than 100,000 Union troops in Kentucky, and the anticipation of a great battle. Expresses dissappointment to find his son in "a Briggaded whose General...

GLC07687.113

to Samuel Watson Van Nuys

Explains that his plans to deliver clothing and blankets to Company F have been delayed until he receives another letter. Describes the participation of young people in a recent church service, and includes a list of those who have recently joined...

GLC07687.114

to Samuel Watson Van Nuys

Replacing the S.W.V.'s current chaplain with a Mr. Woods. Mentions that his trip has been delayed once again, and describes health of various friends and family, and refers to the activities of the "Campbellites" (a religious group). Reports rumors...

GLC07687.115

to Samuel Watson Van Nuys

Espresses regret at leaving his son, and reports reumor that "the troops at Romny [Romney] have to be in readyness [sic] to march at any moment that they had drawn 3 days provision, [and] also that the 2 batteries were to go"

GLC07687.116

to Samuel Watson Van Nuys

Details of journey home, including finding two acquaintances in a hospital near Grafton. Souls and the movements of Gen. Banks, although he expresses some doubt about the truth of the latter. Relates an incident near Cincinnati in which a soldier...

GLC07687.117

to Samuel Watson Van Nuys

"My faith in our Generals grows less day by day." Vannuys is angry that his son was forced to retreat due to what he considers ineptitude and self-interest on the part of Union commanders, particularly Banks.

GLC07687.118

to Samuel Watson Van Nuys

Recounts the latest news of the war, including two vistories in Kentucky ("the last one at or near Somersett"). Refers to mortgages, credit, and unfavorable prices: "....prices of everything is on the decline that the farmer has to sell, and what he...

GLC07687.119

to Samuel Watson Van Nuys

Continued criticism of army officers for lack of action: "There is but one way to close this war in a hurry and that is let Congress reduce the pay of all officers to that of Privates, and if they resign put them in the ranks….[y]ou will hear nothing...

GLC07687.120

to Samuel Watson Van Nuys

A family gathering and the testing of new lamps at church. Also mentions Gen. Lander's retreat from Romney.

GLC07687.121

to Samuel Watson Van Nuys

Surprise visit from Uncle Charles Campbell, who had been seeing a sick soldier at Louisville. Dick Donnell has returned home, and reports "a vast amount of sickness among out troops." Donnell had met with a "reliable Gentleman, who assured him that...

GLC07687.122

to Samuel Watson Van Nuys

Report of "a great amount of sickness in [Vannuys's] division," news that Gen. Lander is once again occupying Romney, and implications of the Union victory at Fort Henry, Tenn. Vannuys hopes in the wake of McClelland's appointment as Commander of...

GLC07687.123

to Samuel Watson Van Nuys

News of Gen. Burnsides's capture of Roanoke Island and rumors of Union capture of Fort Donnelson. Describes recruiting efforts for the Mississippi Fleet, and strong sympathy for the Northern cause.

GLC07687.124

to Samuel Watson Van Nuys

The weekly prayer meeting, confirmed victory at Fort Donnelson, preparations for the making of sugar and molasses at home, and unfavorable prices for farmers. Also describes a chance meeting with Squire Hendries, who was awaiting a dispatch from...

GLC07687.125

to Samuel Watson Van Nuys

Describes the scene at home while he writes, including little Molly's current illness. Discusses the wedding of Kinney and Will LeGrange, work in the wheat field, and Molly's recovery.

GLC07687.126

to Samuel Watson Van Nuys

Health of family members and successful recruiting efforts in the area.

GLC07687.127

to Samuel Watson Van Nuys

General news of home (health, family, weather, crops, etc.) Describes "a great battle in Arkansas" (Pea Ridge?), which involved the 18th Regiment. "It was a glorious victory. I suppose the infernal McCulla [Benjamin McCulloch] is dead at last."...

GLC07687.128

to Samuel Watson Van Nuys

"Stanton has is[s]ued an order forbidding the publishing of Army Movements," thus Vannuys confesses to being uninformed of current army activities. He suspects his son will go to Winchester, and does not believe there will be forward movement on the...

GLC07687.129