The following letter was written by 20 year-old James V. Vanderbilt of Co. D, 7th New York Heavy Artillery. James enlisted as a private in Co. D (originally the 113th New York Infantry) on 18 August 1862 to serve three years. At the time of his enlistment, his residence was given as Corymans, New York. He was described as a blue-eyed, dark-haired farmer who stood 5 foot 6 inches in height. He was promoted to corporal on 1 March 1863 and again to sergeant on 29 December 1863.

The letter was written from Ft. Kearny just outside Washington, D.C. during the early, passive phase of the regiment’s service, while they were part of the D. C. defensive ring. However, beginning mid-way through 1864, the unit was sent to the front as infantrymen and were heavily involved in battles, with much loss. James was killed in action on 3 June 1864 at the Battle of Cold Harbor, Virginia.

During the action on Petersburg on 16 June 1864, James’ cousin, John W. Oliver—who served with him in the regiment, was captured and sent to Andersonville prison, where he stayed until being paroled on 12/6/64. He is listed as having ‘returned’ to his unit on 4/8/65.

[Note: This letter is from the private collection of Richard Weiner and was transcribed ands published on Spared & Shared by express consent.]

Transcription

Fort Kearney
December 30th 1862

To Uncle & Aunt, Cousin, and Libbie too.

I now take the opportunity to write or scribble you a few lines. The reason why I have not written before was because [Cousin] John [Oliver] wrote for him & me too & I the same when I write home. But I am the feller that can do it and in a hurry too for I have to write many a one. Well, it is a good thing to have so many friends. We are all enjoying good health at present except John. He has a boil on his upper lip and it puts me in [mind] of some of those negroes down here and the reason he was not with Mr. Hayes & I building out house was because he was not well just thern. He had the ganders [jaundice]. But he is now well and at work. He did not have it but slightly.

He has been digging rifle pits & I have been washing and cleaning my gun. It takes us half our time or more to keep them in order as the Colonel wants them. This week we have all to go to headquarters on inspection and muster for our pay. Every two months [they] inspect all that Uncle Sam gave us. We have not been paid off yet and I cannot say for my part when we will get it. But never ind, good things come slow.

You spoke about that money John signed off. You cannot get it until we get paid here. When we get paid, we will let you know. Then go and try him. Some think it was a smart game but I think that it is alright.

We have our house done and are living like pigs in the clover and have bunks & floor and roof & window & stove. I tell you, we live good. Sometimes we have cabbage soup [or] stewed apples. If we only have money, we can live good as any of them. But we are close up for money. I never see a Christmas before but what I had 3 cents to my name. We did not have much Christmas but I hope we will have a better time—at least I hope so. You wished us a merry Christmas. Thank you. [We] wish you a merry one [too]. We wish you a happy new year.

We are now a Heavy Artillery [regiment] and the boys are all satisfied. We will not have to go in the field or have to march far at a time now. We will have to have other clothes. I have a new coat with red trimming. When you write, you must direct to the 7th New York Heavy Artillery, N. Y. S. Vol.,, Co. D, Washington D. C., Fort Kearney

From your nephew, — James V. Vanderbilt

Our respects to all enquiring friends. Goodbye. Remember us in your prayers. I hope to meet you all again if not in this world, in the world to come. Tell the rest to direct the same.