From the April 14, 2012, McDonough (IL.) County Voice "The Spiritual Struggle of War: Macomb's Carter Van Vleck.
Col. Carter Van Vleck is described as "the most notable Civil War figure buried in Oakwood Cemetery" in Macomb.
The book in which his letters are published is edited by Teresa K. Lehr and Philip L. Gerber.
Col. Van Vleck's best friend in the 78th Illinois, Major William L. Broaddus of Macomb, was killed at the Battle of Chiclamauga. The 78th had a lot to do with General Thomas' earning the name "Rock of Chickamauga.
With the Union Army forced to retreat to Chattanooga, they had to leave the major's body on the battlefield where he was buried in a mass grave.
Col. Van Vleck came back to that battlefield a few months later and along with sixty men, found the grave near where Broaddus had fallen and dug into it and after an extensive and difficult search through the remains, found the major's body. It was then sent back to Macomb for burial.
After Van Vleck was mortally wounded, a telegram was sent to his wife Patty, who came to visit him before his death and returned to Macomb where a huge funeral was held in early September.
--Old Secesh
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