Maquoketa            March 31^st 1862

 

Mr. E. W. H. Jacobs—

                        Dear Sir—It being Mrs Drips’ wish that you would come down & see her as soon as you can, she requested that I would write & inform you of her wishes. As I think of going back to the Army in a couple of weeks, I would like it very much if you would come down before I leave, as she will feel very lonely for a while after I leave.

 

            She is just in receipt of the particulars of the Captains his death, which have brough up anew the sorrowful feelings of her loss They were written her by a young man in our company who was with him in his last moments I sent you an Excelsior containing / a letter from one of our company which will be of some satisfaction to you He fell about two oclock on the 7^th inst & lived five or six hours. He was first struck by a spent ball in the arm tearing his coat and shirt sleeve, and drawing a little blood. I suppose it was knocked him down, as he was lying on his elbow when another ball entered his abdomen and did not come out. The boys immediately carried him from the field to a building used for a hospital where he two of our boys remained with him until he died. He did not say speak but a few times—once saying “tell Mrs Drips I died blessing her name. I tried to fight well and do my duty.” His last words were “Oh God! if I am prepared, take me to thyself” /

 

His remains were interred by the side of his boys who fell in the battle and in the same grave with Capt. Bevins I presume the warm weather & great distance from any Railroad were hindrances in the way of sending him As it Mrs Drips’ wish to have them sent yet if possible, but I think at the same time it would not be very good policy.

 

I would like you to come soon as you could assist her more than I am capable of doing in settling her affairs

 

As the river is open now you can come down without much expense. I started the day after I saw you last and got home in just 8 days / from the time I started and at the small expense of thirteen dollars.

 

            Mrs. Drips is not feeling very well, probably from the effects of her grief. She is surrounded here by many kind friends who tender her their sympathies in her affliction, & Rev. Mr. Blakeman who boards with her assists her a great deal in looking to the proper source for comfort.

 

            Hoping to see you before I leave I am yours

 

                                                                        In haste

                                                                                    John F. Drips

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