General Hospital
Governor’s Island, New York Harbor
October 13, 1862

Mr. Cornelius Van Houten
Dear Sir,

It is with much pleasure I now address these few lines hoping it will find you I good health.

I received Mr. Macy’s letter on Friday last and was very glad to hear from you and the rest at that place. In it he said that you had written a letter to me. I have not received it yet but Oscar was over here the same day I received the letter and he said there end one at the house from you. He forgot to fetch it here. I have had a great deal of company since I came here. Sufield & Post and T. M. and two other ones was yesterday to see me.

I wish you was here and then you could soon see Mary for it is a very pleasant place just off from the Battery and opposite Brooklyn.

In regards to my health, it is no better than it was when I left you. I have not received any letters from the plains since I received Amanda’s. I am looking for one every day now. I will have to close.

Remember me to all enquiring friends with kind regards and best wishes hoping to hear from you very soon.

I remain your friend, — James B. Onderdonk

To C. Van Houten, Esqr.

[in a separate hand]

Here is a letter from James O.  He pretends to be a great friend of mine but he need not be. He has a great notion for Amanda. I would not advise you to come down now for I don’t know where we will be in a week but I must stop for we have orders to march so goodbye. [probably C. V. H.]