June 11, 1865
Van Valkenburgh, Franklin Butler, 1835-1924
Autograph letter signed
Title: to his wife
Written part in pen, part in pencil. Reports on conditions in the South after the Civil War. Frank was travelling to Arkansas to help his twin brother Gerrit who was in trouble with the law. Says he knows he wrote recently, but since he is stuck in "this God forsaken hole" he is going to write another. Mentions meeting a Confederate soldier who thought he was his twin brother Gerrit. The former soldier was released from prison the week before and Frank relates his story. Reports that many people know his twin brother Gerrit. Says "they say Warren [Arkansas] never saw so exciting a time as was…
GLC00686.20