This letter was written by Joseph Chauncey Van Marter (1840-1913) of Barton, Tioga county, New York whose name sometimes appears on the muster rolls of Co. H, 3rd New York Infantry as James C. Van Marter for some strange reason. Joseph enlisted on 14 May 1861 to serve two years in the regiment. He mustered out on 21 May 1863 at Albany. He later reenlisted in Co. G, 5th New York Cavalry.

Joseph was the son of Elijah Van Marter (1811-1891) and Sarah E. Van Martin (1817-1890) of Barton, Tioga county, New York.

Transcription

Fort McHenry
December 13th 1861

Dear Cousin,

I received your letter tonight about 8 o’clock and was glad to hear from you. You wanted to hear all the good news. The good news is that I feel very good tonight. The news is that we are a going to Georgia or to Florida on the fleet. Then we will hear the bomb shells snap and crack. I am getting as fat as a rail. I cannot think of much to write.

Mate, I shall soon be my boss if that if wasn’t in the way. I think that I shall spend a happy birthday that I am 21 years old. I shall spend it in Baltimore if we don’t go to Florida, I have had some fine times in Baltimore City as I ever see. Your dance that you spoke of I should like to be there but as I cannot, you must dance twice for me. I have been to a dance three times in Baltimore and I danced with as pretty a girl as you ever see. I think that I shall fetch one of them home with me if I don’t miss of it. Tell Aunt that I should like to see her and I shall if I don’t miss of it. Aunt put a Christmas present in my socks. I had a roasted turkey this morning. I have had more fun since I left home than I would if I had stayed at home. Still I was as gray as a rat. Write as soon as you get this.

From your cousin,  — Joseph C. Van Marter 

Direct your letters to Fort McHenry, Maryland, Co. H, 3rd Regt. N. Y. V.