The Spiritual Struggle of War: Col. Carter Van Vleck

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

Col. Carter Van Vleck: "Immense Amt. of Study to Learn Well the Art of Killing..."

IUniverse has a 284 page book about the colonel: "Emerging Leader: The Letters of Carter Van Vleck to His Wife, Patty (1862-1864).

Taken from his October 19, 1862 letter to his wife and daughter.  This was concerning his learning how to lead his command.

"It takes an immense amt. of study to learn well the art of killing people, without getting killed yourself And that is the great secret of war, to kill & cripple the enemy to the greatest degree with the least possible damage to those under your command it is fearful yet a very pleasant study  I like it better than I expected to & much better than anything else I ever studied or practiced.

"How I would like the sad realities of war, or how I should demean myself in actual fight, of course I have as little idea as anyone else that knows me I might disgrace myself & family forever or might win honors worthy to be won."

He was actually enjoying learning the art of war, but didn't know how he would do in an actual battle.  Would he be brave or a coward?

--Old Secesh

Col. Carter Van Vleck-- Part 2: "I Have Been True to My God..."

From the Sackett Family Association.  Col. Guy Carter Van Vleck.

Born 11 June 1830.  Died 23 August 1864.  Lawyer.  Entered the Union Army as a Lt.Col. August 1862 and soon became colonel of the 78th Illinois Infantry Regiment.

He was shot by a Confederate sharpshooter outside of Atlanta while on his way to rejoin his regiment after a short stay in the hospital for sickness.    He was on horseback and his men were happy to have him back and thronged around him, making him a target.

He was mortally wounded in the forehead, but remained conscious for ten days.  He died on the 12th.    During that time he sent for his wife in Macomb by telegraph, arranged his business affairs and remarked to his friends, "I have been true to my God, to my country and to my family."

It should be an interesting talk tonight at the McHenry Civil War Round Table meeting in Woodstock, Illinois.

--Old Secesh

Colonel Carter Van Vleck-- Part 1

From Find-A-Grave.

Born: June 11, 1830 in Penner, New York.  Died:  August 23, 1864 at Atlanta, Georgia.

Commanded the 78th Illinois Infantry Regiment and mortally wounded before Atlanta.

Buried Oakwood Cemetery in Macomb, Illinois.

--Old Secesh

MCCWRT to Hear About Col. Carter Van Vleck of the 78th Illinois

Tomorrow, May 13th, the McHenry County Civil War Round Table (founded in 1998) will hear a presentation about Carter Van Vleck, colonel of the 78th Illinois Infantry regiment at the Woodstock (Illinois) Public Library at 440 West Judd Street.

The presenter will be Jerry Allen and the meeting starts at 7:30 PM.

I will be there ( despite the Black Hawks playing) and will join the organization as well.

--Old Secesh