[Note:  This letter is in the Cornelius Van Houten Correspondence, Manuscript Division, Library of Congress, but has never been previously transcribed.]

Battery B, 1st New Jersey Artillery
April 27, 1865

Dear Father,

As I have an opportunity of writing, I thought I would improve it by inquiring why I do not hear from you. I have written to Mary, yourself, and sister Libby, but have received no answer to any of my letters yet. I cannot imagine what is the matter unless you all think we have enough to think of without reading letters. It is true there has enough transpired of late to keep anyone’s mind busy, first by the surrender of General Lee, and next the horrible assassination of our noble President, and last by the cowardly terms under which Sherman allowed Johnson to surrender. I say it is enough to keep our minds busy and it ought to keep our hands and bodies agoing to ferret out the cause of Sherman’s [?] actions.

For my part, I am very sorry for Sherman, for in the hearts of the people he alone stood second to Grant, but his late actions will bring him on a par, of not lower, than McClellan. For my part I cannot see what he could have been thinking about. He gave the enemy more than they ever asked and in such a way that at any moment they might rise again in rebellion and have all they desired to carry it on. And more, he gave Jeff Davis and open avenue of escape—the thing least desired by us all. If all he has done be true, he needs to be hanged full as much as the biggest traitor in our land. I am in hopes all is not true for Sherman is without doubt a great military man and has hitherto shown himself a true soldier and a patriot. The Rebels once said that he was crazy and I almost believe he was under some kind of a spell when he accepted Johnson’s surrender. But I guess things will take a different turn now for General Grant has gone down there himself and there is nothing but unconditional surrender when he gets after them. He must have been pretty angry when he heard of what Sherman had done for he swore, and that is something he never does—only on extraordinary occasions.

Father, what do you think of our Andy Johnson? Isn’t he a brick? Mr. Reb will see no more quarters. He will hang them all and he ought. for any people who can murder one of the best and wisest men that the worls ever produced, and their best friend too, deserve the most punishment that can be imagined. I am pleased to see such prompt action with all Copperheads who say anything against the dead President. I would like to be home to black some of their eyes.

But I must tell you that Albert and myself are very well and in great hopes of soon being among you. I suppose May must be moved by this time but I have not heard from her in some time. I wish you would plant some potatoes in my lot if you think they would grow for I must have something to eat next winter if I get home. I wish I was home now so I could plant all your crops and let you work at the house. The I would have something to keep me alive. But should I get home about September or October, I am afraid we will all three fo to the poor house. I don’t think I can ever go grubbing among those stones and old maids in Pacquance. But i must close.

If you have received my last letter, please answer. Tell me whatever you think about the lot. Give my love to all. Tell Mother she might as well bake some good biscuits and milk pies for I am coming soon. — C. V. H.