Portland Nov 8, 1864

 

Capt Potter,

                       

Dear Sir

Yours of Oct 18^th is befor me and I was very glad indeed to hear from my brothers friend. I had begun to wonder somewhat, that no one of his Bro. officers sent us some word of sympathy or any information in regard to his last moments. I had already written you a letter and suppose you have received it before this. You truly say that I have lost a noble brother and no one is more fully aware of it than myself. We were bound together by every tie of brotherhood and I thank God that never in our lives has there anything occured to break for one moment the bonds that united us. He died as I knew he would, if it must be so, bravely fighting under the flag he loved so well, and I feel that the manner of his death is something to be thankfull / for. Not one moment of suffering. When I think of the suffering that some undergo, lying for days and weeks upon their beds of pain and anguish, I feel thankfull that he was spared all that. I know my brother was not affraid of death but was ready to meet it boldly. If the great cause for which he fought and died shall prosper unto the end and the restoration of the union be accomplished we shall feel that he did not lay down his life for a vain hope. All the precious blood will not have been spilled in vain. We shall always miss him and mourn for him. We can not help it whatever there may be to soften the blow. I had counted so much upon his comeing home I can not seem to give him up yet We are all of us very thankfull that we have his remains here where he first drew breath and we have laid him away among the very trees where he played when a boy. I wish / I could see you and hope that I may some time. I found in his valise but one of the candle sticks you mention and will keep it for you. Did I understand by your letter that you had sent home his effects. I have not seen any of them. Mrs Hosmer (my sister) wrote me that his revolver and glass had been left at her house in Springfield, what became of his watch & diary, wallet &c I hope they were not lost. How did you send the ring. Please write me about it as I have not received them I am fearfull they may be lost. I have some papers connected with the regimental affairs which can be had by sending for them. Any business connected with the company I will attend to.

 

            Please let me hear from you soon & oblige.

                                                                                   

Very truly yours

Zenos Thompson Jr

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