11th Illinois Infantry - Death Notice - NEW

Item LTR-10825

Description

Original Civil War soldier's letter. 2 pages, written in period ink.


Post Hospital
August 4, 1864
Baton Rouge, LA
 
Mrs. Clara C. Keelin
 
I take this opportunity of dropping you these few lines to inform you of the death of your son Jesse.  He died this morning at five o’clock A. M.  I was with him until he died.  I had a long talk with him the night before he died, his request was that his remains should be taken home and buried alongside of his father.  He spoke frequently of his mother and sister.  He said he was prepared to die.  The last word that could be understood from him was heaven and then past off without a struggle and closed his eyes to wake no more.  Jesse was well thought of by his company and all that made their acquaintance with him.
 
You can come or send someone here for his remains.  You can come to the Post Hospital and get his effects and they will direct you to the resting place of his body.  He is buried this morning with military honor.  I will send you some of his hair in this letter.  I believe there is no more information that I can give you.
 
I remain very respectfully yours,
Louis L. Burns
 
Member of Company D, 11^th Illinois Infantry
Post Hospital
Baton Rouge, LA