Alexandria, Virginia
May 15, 1865

Dear Father,

I received your letter last evening and was glad to hear that you are all well. I will attempt to answer it although I feel anything like but writing for I have been very sick. I am as weak as a child. My bowels are very bad and I can’t keep anything on my stomach. I vomit it up as soon as I get it down. The march has been too much for me. We have been marching since the 2nd everyday and I was sick when we started. We arrived here this morning and now I hope our marching is over. I hope with rest and care I will get better.

We can see the Capitol from here and the Potomac river. It is a very pleasant place. How long we will stay here I cannot tell. The whole of the 2nd Corps are camped around here. It is a grand sight. I wish you could see it. I hear we are to have a Grand Review of the army on the 23rd at Washington. I would rather be sent home than wait for a review. I see by the papers that we have got Jeff Davis. It may be I may have a chance to see him yet before I get home.

Father, I will have to appeal to you once more to try and help Fanny. I got a letter from her last night. She says she has not had a cent since she moved in the country. She feels as if she ought to have some meat and other nourishment. I am sorry I have to ask you as often. I assure you I would not if I could help it. But the government don’t pay me and I can’t help it if Mandeville can’t let her have $50.00. Let her have as much as he can. She must have some anyhow. I cannot see her want which she says she is in. The money is hers and if she is in need of it, she ought to have it. I wish I was home to see to it but it is uncertain how soon we will get there. There is a thousand and one ____ about it so we will have to wait and ___ I will have to stop writing. I feel faint and sick at my stomach. I can hardly sit up now.

Father, I don’t want you to think hard at my asking you so often to help Fan for I cannot help it. You are the only one I have to look to and if I live to get home, we will make it all right. Cornelius is complaining a little with his bowels at present but I hope he will get better soon. He sends his love to all. Give my love to all enquiring friends.

Kase [Cornelius] and I send our love to all. From your affectionate son, — A[lbert] Van Housen