Newnan Geo

Oct 10^th/63

 

My Dear Father,

                        I am now at this place having just returned from Bragg's Army near Chattanooga. Brother John was killed on the 19^th a little after dark. The Brigade was advancing in line of Battle to near a position supposed to have been occupied by Genl Longstreets command. Brother John was riding in front with Col Vaughan when but a few steps before them a man raised from behind a bush Col V. asked to what command he belonged. He replied 77^th Pennsylvania and fired. The / ball taking effect on Brother John, He fell dead the ball having entered the left breast and pierced the heart.

 

His company which was just behind him fired at & killed the Yankee, and the larger portion of the Reg't was captured. Genl Smith was also killed about the same time on another part of the line. Brother John was acting as Adjt Genl of the brigade, Genl Smiths Ad't being absent at the time. Not a single man in his Company was killed although they had been in the worst of the fight.

 

His loss is deeply mourned / by his Company, all of whom seem to have been very much attached to him. And he is remembered by all who knew him as a gallant soldier.

 

His sword watch & trunk are now at this place. The coat he had on at Murfreesboro is in his trunk.

 

His remains are now in Mr Edward Denmead's vault St James Cemetery, Marietta Ga. He was dressed in the uniform he had on the battlefield.

 

Capt McManus of Memphis & Col S. R. Cockrill of Nashville did all that could be done by friends.

 

Sam Jackson died of wounds / received in the battle.

 

If I can get Surgeon's Certificate I will try and come home this winter.

 

            My love to Ma & all at home

                                               

Yr afft son

D. L. Donelson

 

Our loss was 1000 killed

15000 wounded 1500 captured.

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