New Orleans Apr 20^th 1863

 

                                                Mrs Billings

                                                            As I took care of your husband while he lived & was with him untill he died which was the 5^th of Feb about half past four AM., I should have written you ere this had I not thought Captain Chapman would have given you the particulars of his sickness & death

 

Mr Billings had bin sick for a long time with Concumption he graduly fayled & was sinking lower & lower he was requested to go to the St James Hospital but could not be prevayled on to go/

 

he remained in quawters his apetite left him & about four weeks Capt Chapman detayled me to take care of him I washed him most every day changed his clothes often & did every thing in my power to make him cumfortable A Lady who lived near knowing of his sickness used to send him in every kind of victuals which the sick are apt to like such as oysters eggs custards cake &c but he ate but very little & to days before he died he was prevayled to go to the Hospital I went with him & he had the best of care During the last few hawers he would try to talk but seemed to be so far gone he could/say but very little He said he hoped he should meet you all in a better world whare there would be no more war but peace & Joy would prevale this was at about 9 oclock on the eve before he died after that he said nothing which could be understood. On the 7^th of Feb he was buried in the usual way of all who dy by cervise in the armey. He was much respected by the whole Company for his good Cumpany & kindness we all regret his loss.

 

I have collected $46.00 dollars of mony which he had lent out in the Company & gave it to the Captain to send to you which with what the Captain owed & collected/which, was $44. forty four dollars making in all $90 dollars collected & some 14 dollars remain to be collected..which will be done at our next pay day..& we expect this will be soon at all events within one month All his afairs will be settled up & the mony forwared to you by express

 

As I am vary unused to writing you will please excuse me this time

& Believe me Maddam

 

Your obt svt

            Charles C Morse

            Co E 26^th Regt Mass Vols

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