Carter Van Vleck had practiced as a teacher, a merchant, a homeopathic physician, and a lawyer in the years before he enlisted in the 78th Illinois Volunteer Regiment. Acclaimed as...view moreCarter Van Vleck had practiced as a teacher, a merchant, a homeopathic physician, and a lawyer in the years before he enlisted in the 78th Illinois Volunteer Regiment. Acclaimed as a skilled orator, his persuasive ability had led him into local politics two years before hostilities began. As an officer, his ability to clearly recognize conflicts involving both his superiors and the men under his command and to articulate fair resolutions gained the respect of everyone with whom he came in contact.view less