INTERESTING LETTER FROM CAPTAIN DAVID VANDERCARR TO FATHER OF SOLDIER KIA

INTERESTING LETTER FROM CAPTAIN DAVID VANDERCARR TO FATHER OF SOLDIER KIA

Hover to zoom

Image 1 Image 2

$95.00 ON HOLD

Quantity Available: 1

Item Code: 2022-2155

Captain David Vandercarr commanded Company K of the 2nd New York Cavalry and wrote this tragic letter on January 26, 1865 to a Mr. Bailey of New York City concerning the recent death of his son, a member of David’s Company.

The deceased solider, Private Daniel F. Bailey, enlisted on September 13, 1864 and was dead in a hospital in Winchester, VA before the end of November of the same year.

The Captain offers information regarding the claim to his son’s bounty, and intersperses a few words of condolence, “… it is hard for parents to have their children wounded in this cruel war and die, but that is the hardships of war, that is the most that I can tell you for it has been written to you before.” The Captain’s spelling and punctuation are a bit unorthodox. He goes on to respond to an inquiry about Daniel’s watch, which implies the Captain took issue with someone relaying that he was in possession of the watch.  He offers that it was sold by Daniel to one of the men of the Company and somewhat flatly denies the need to commit theft.  He closes by offering to forward any other personal effects he can.  On a second page, he includes in a post script entry that a book sent previously had been returned from the “dead letter” office to the regiment, and that was the reason it had not reached Mr. Bailey.

Interestingly, the Captain’s record lists him as “dismissed” on February 23, 1865 – not long after writing this letter. The Captain enlisted on October 6th, 1864 but had previously served in the Company D of the 33rd New York Infantry as a Corporal until mustering out in early June of 1863.

The blue-lined papers are in excellent condition and folded horizontally into quarter sections.  A commercial embossment is noted at the upper left corner.  No tearing or staining is noted and the ink is lightly oxidized but bold. The non-standard sized papers measure 7.65” x 12.75”.

A multi-faceted and deeply personal letter – an exciting piece for the Civil War ephemera collector.  [cm][ph:L]

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

THIS ITEM, AS WITH ALL OTHER ITEMS AVAILABLE ON OUR WEB SITE,

MAY BE PURCHASED THROUGH OUR LAYAWAY PROGRAM.

CLICK HERE FOR OUR POLICIES AND TERMS.

THANK YOU!

Inquire About INTERESTING LETTER FROM CAPTAIN DAVID VANDERCARR TO FATHER OF SOLDIER KIA

should be empty