Derry T.P. Westmoreland C^o

August 29^th 1863

 

My Dear nephew I receved yours of 15 ins^t gladley as it was the first I have receved from you and comeing at a time of trouble and anguish and in language of comfort & consolation which is ever cheering as you say I have bean in the furnace of affliction before this is the ninth child and a wife that I have buried but I hope God will sustain me and enable me to say from the hart thy will be done the word of God is ever my comforter and I trust he who is the God of all consolation will sustain me this tryal is a sore one as it is increased by his falling in rebel ranks, he must have bean deluded very far and caryed / away. I got such conflicting accounts I determend to go to Gettysburgh and try to find the facts and his last resting place, and I found in the Hospital an old comrad who saw him fall but I could not find the grave where he was laid it is a grevious sight to see the battle field I could not give you a proper idea of it but the smell is yet offensive some places as many as a hundred in one pit scarsely covered from sight—

 

            I had a letter from your father not long since and got all the famely news and accounts from your brother in the army. I answered his letter immediately and let him know all our famely news we are all well now and Robert started three days since to your fathers as he had just got home from the armey I hope this cruel war will soon be over that we may have peace again. 

 

as to the perticulars of Davids death he had bean two years in the army and unhurt until the second day of the battle of Getteysburgh when he was shot through the bowels and died at 4 Oclock nex morning his comrads told me he was zellous in the cause of Rebellion (Oh the grief, I cannot speak of it.) we had a letter from Joseph dated 30^th May I think it came through David in V^a he was well and engaged in makeing salt which exempted him from millitary duty and still in Texas we cannot write to him as there is no mails caried. I had expected you to come to see us and all the friends hear when you got through at the Semenery but we ware disapointed we would be glad to have a visit from you as soon as you can make it suit you I am glad you have setled in a congregation so soon and / hope God will bless your labours and make you a faithful and successful Minister of Jesus Christ and may be the means of bringing many soles to Christ and build up his Kingdom here below and that the may shine as stars in your crown of glory in that day when he will bring all his ransomed home to dwell with himself forever Eliza and all the famely sends there love to you I ever remain your affectionate Uncle

Joseph Henderson

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