25 April 1864

Van Hook, John C., 1831-1910

Autograph letter signed

Title: to George Wortham

States: "I was ordered by Gen Whiting last night to be in readiness to move at a moments warning & to have the Battery in readiness also. & farther to report all vessels in the [offing?]. I suppose he anticipates an attack from the Beach...we are looking out for lively times here soon." Also asks Wortham to send a box of cartridges. Written from Headquarters at Virginia Creek, earthworks that were part of coastal defenses of Wilmington. John C. Van Hook was a Lieutenant Colonel in the Fiftieth North Carolina Infantry.

GLC02233.42

10 June 1864

Van Hook, John C., 1831-1910

Autograph letter signed

Title: to George Wortham

Van Hook has just learned that two hundred Union soldiers have landed at Bath and he is certain that they can be captured and their boats sunk. He asks Wortham to send his battery, two companies of infantry, and his company of cavalry to assist in this operation. Excerpt: "…a party of Yankees no. two hundred have landed at [Bath?] taking off citizens they have taken two good & loyal citizens. Their gunboats two at least is laying in the river & have been for several days they can be sunk without a doubt. I wish you to join me & send your battery & two Companies of…

GLC02233.45