Undated (1863). Addressed to “My Friend Mr. Cooley.” One page in ink on lined paper, 5” x 8. Exhibits fold-marks, else VG.

A Resident of Vernon, VT, Philander Streeter was mustered as a Private into Co. “C” 2^nd Vermont Infantry. He was listed as a POW, Bull Run, VA, 7/21/1861—paroled Richmond, 1/3/1862—and mustered out, 6/29/1864.

The 2^nd Vermont Infantry was organized at Burlington, VT, and mustered into service 6/20/1861. It was engaged at Bull run, and later serving with the 6^th Corps, participated in all the major battles and Campaign of the Army of the Potomac through Appomattox—(prominently engaged on the Union left flank during  Pickett’s July 3^rd charge at Gettysburg]. During service the regiment lost 224 men killed and mortally wounded and 175 by disease for a total of 399.

In this letter Pvt. Streeter writes  to the father of 2^nd Vermont comrade Pvt. Henry L. Cooley who died of disease, 1/11/1863. Text as follows:

“My friend Mr. Cooley…I am very much obliged to you for the thanks you gave me for helping Henry. I felt for him as I would for a brother as a soldier ought to for a brother. It was my duty to do all I could for him for I no not ow soon I may want help myself.

Your wife wanted to no how much government pay there was due him. They owe two months & 11 days pay that is from the first of November to the 11 of jan.

You wanted I should save his letters & paper but them & his money were in the surgeons care, so I could not get them. But his clothes what he had I sold & you shall have the money as soon as we are paid off. You have my best wishes and sympathy.”

A poignant letter from the a 2^nd VT soldier to the bereaved father of a  regimental comrade lost to disease. In protective sleeve.  [JP] [ph:L]

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