Gives details about the death of Nathan's son, David. Transcription: June 12th 64 Memphis Tenn. Thompson To Mr. Nathan V. Massey Dear Sir: It becomes my painful duty to inform you of the death of your beloved son D. T. Massey. He was wounded at pleasant Hill on the 9th of April, in the right arm about half way between the shoulder & elbow Dave was so opposed to having his arm amputated that it was permitted to remain until he got down to Alexandria: The Doctors then found it would be impossible to save it, so they took it off. I got back to Alexandria a day or so after it was taken off:
Gives details about the death of Nathan's son, David. Transcription: June 12th 64 Memphis Tenn. Thompson To Mr. Nathan V. Massey Dear Sir: It becomes my painful duty to inform you of the death of your beloved son D. T. Massey. He was wounded at pleasant Hill on the 9th of April, in the right arm about half way between the shoulder & elbow Dave was so opposed to having his arm amputated that it was permitted to remain until he got down to Alexandria: The Doctors then found it would be impossible to save it, so they took it off. I got back to Alexandria a day or so after it was taken off: I was admitted into the hospital to see him, and I was quite surprised to see him look so well: his arm looked well as I thought, and he was in very good spirits The nurses appeared to pay every attention they could to our wounded: there being a dozen or so in the same room with Dave. The wounded were put on a boat the next day and soon started down the river having to go to New Orleans to put off some then the boat with our wounded started for Vicksburg: On the fifth as they came up Dave died He was taken off at Vicksburg & buried. I learn this from one of our boys who was on the boat when he died and saw him taken off at Vicksburg. At the time Dave was wounded, We (the reg) was lying down and the rebs were charging & driving our men just in front of us They soon got out of our way when we opened on them Dave was reloading on his knees & just in the act of caping his prese when the shot struck him. We had fired but twice when we were ordered to charge. Where we were lying was the hottest fire we were under in the fight. In the person of Dave Our company has lost a brave & noble boy He was blessed with health and was therefore always ready for duty and did it with a good resolution. Dave was no coward: but a braver boy never took up arms for his country In his death I loose a brother. He and I were bedfellows ever since we came into service. Mr Massey I will bid you farewell fo
Size: 1761px × 2838px
Photo credit: © The Picture Art Collection / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No
Keywords: civil_war, military
