Part 24 of 25 in Civil War Letters of Algernon H. Scribner. The date below is the letter’s historical date; the article retains the collection’s publication date.
Letter transcription
Whitman Sawyer to David Scribner, 6 July 1864 Camp of the 30th Me. Rgt. Vols. Algiers, LA July 6, 64
Friend Scrribner, I feel it my painful duty to inform you of the death of Algernon! Yes! your son that we all worshipped has gone. He died coming down the Mississippi River from Morganza to this place. On the morning of July 3 was at 8 o'clock. I was with him for an hour before he died. His life seemed to expire like the setting of the sun. As easy and natural as could be. At the time I wrote you before he seemed to be doing well and no one thought he would die the Drs said he would surely get well. He went to the Camp Hospital on the 13th day of June. After that I went to see him daily when I was not on duty. He seemed cheerful and was confident that he should get well. At the time he went to the hosp he was promised a furlough to go home as soon as he was able to stand the journey. Myself and the Company which I have the honor to command join with you in mourning the loss of Algernon. While you have lost an enterprising son one who seemingly had a bright futer before him. The Company has lost a genial companion one who wile on the march on in Camp was always cheerful. I will venture to say he had not an enemy in the Regt. "None knew him but to love him none knew him but to praise." Never have I had occasion to reprimand him either in this or the 25th Regt. The remains of Non are buried in the Grave Yard near by the place. The Drs. and the Capt of the Boat we came down on thought twas best to [illegible word] his body in the River but I would not for a moment listen to anything of the kind. I thought the least I could do was to give him a decent burial. Had it been in my power I should have his body embalmed and sent home, but the thing was all out of the question.
Algernon had $15.00 with him in a wallet which you gave him also a diary 2 fifes one or two little articles of no account but still I am going to send them to you the first opportunity. Rather than to run the risk of sending the money I will write to Frank to pay it to you as I have an account with him the other things I will certainly sent the first chance as I have to get them express'd.
If at any time I can give you any further information I shall be most happy to do it. Yours Truely, Whit [Capt. Whitman Sawyer]
Source
Transcribed by Jean F. Hankins in 2011 for the Otisfield Historical Society, with permission of owner Hal Ferguson of Otisfield. Original spelling, uncertain readings, and editorial notes are retained.
Read the original transcription (PDF, starting on page 24).