West Point Va.

June 20^th 1864.

 

Dear Emma.

                        I regret much to inform you of the death of your beloved Brother Charlie. Charlie was killed on the 11^th inst. at Virmellion Station on the Virginia Central Rail Road ten miles from Gordensville.

 

We were ordered to charge the enemy and gain posession of the rail road, wich we did, but not with out the loss of many a noble soldier, and among them was your esteemed brother Charlie. but it seemed as if his time had come. I got his boddy as soon as could and took it a short distance under two beautifull oak trees were I had him burried. I covered him with / canvass, put up a head bord with his name cut on the bord, Company and regiment. He was hit shot by a sharp shooter. the ball entered his body on the right side bellow the first rib, passed through, and came out under his left arm. he never spoke. When I got to him he looked to me as if he was a sleep. I could not see where he was hit until I examined closely. I had pretty hard work to get him burried, as I was compelled to leave him twice on account of the Rebel Artillery pouring shot and shell into me. I little thought that I would be compelled to under go such a trying seen as I thought as much of Charlie as if he were my brother. I miss him very much but I must submit to it. And I trust that your Father Mother and / the family will think that he fell in a noble cause, battleing for the old flag. And that he fell with his face towards the enemy. I will write to your Father, and give him the full paticklars of his death, and give him a discription of the place where he is burried, so at any future time, he could find the grave, but time will not allow me now.

 

I wrote to Nancy respecting his death and shall write to all of his corrospondence as soon as I can. Give my kind regards to all. And I remain your friend. And do sympathize with you all respecting the loss you have so lately met with.

Willwood 

 

N.B. Since I wrote the above Harmon Van Horn shot him self through the foot, but not dangerously I think

Willwood

 

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Emma A Smith

 

Em

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