Milliken's Bend, Aug 5, 1863(Note: This letter is by Lieutenant, Frederick Smith)
Mrs. Parkinson,
I should have written to you before, but I supposed your trouble would call your attention so much, I withheld and I was full sure that William's brother would send all particulars, but for fear he did not, and I will tell you of some little incidence I concluded to write a [undecipherable] to you. I was present in his tent, which he always occupied ever since he took command of the company. I had just done rubbing his hands which was stone cold and I well remember his last words. They was this, "Is that you Smith?" which is my name. I told him it was. He lived about 20 minutes after that remark. I don't think you need have any doubt but what he has gone to the happy land of peace, as I conferred with him when he was well on the subject of religion, and I discovered he must have loved Christ or he could not feel as I believe he did, and his general department conferred with it. The men in the company almost worshiped him, and said he was the best friend they ever had, and I think they had need to make such a remark as he was always the same. I heard him say he was coming home on a furlough as soon as it was possible to get one. He always seemed to be in good spirits and ready for duty and the Colonel and every officer in the regiment so remarked. He was a good man, in fact, all loved him.
©2006 C.S. Parkinson