Butte record., 1855-01-20
NUMBER IL

right, which fortunately just missed me,
but broke my cap pouch, and tore away
my revolver case I also had sabre
cut in the arm, but it felly very slightly,
as | shot the Russian dragoon through
the head when his arm was raised The
enemy's cavalry was an immense force
| had very many hai-breadth escapes
thanks to an all merciful Providence).
Retiring was the worst part of the busi-
ness l was nearly the last out of about
twenty-five that started together to re-
turn, and when we got out of the range
of the fire 1 could only see nine 1t wa.
an awful sight. [ could have shot with
my revolver three or foul more Russians,
but as they were little detached from
their main body, l thought it would be
too much like murder.
The Yesterday was in
the batteries all day, and, what with
smoke, dust, stones, shot, shell, thirst
and hunger, and walk there and back,
was very tired when I came back
This morning, [ slept till A. NJ, had
good wash anc breakfast, grand pa
rade, and had my shirt washed; it is
now nearly dry. We all wear red fam
mel shirts only fancy me now sitting
on carpet-bag, writing on smooth
stool | have told you all these little
things for the first three days, that you
may guess, when you please, what am
at, or at what [ have been at; for hope
the siege will not last more than ten
days longer. 1 can not say like this
life; but it is better than looking on, as
we have done hitherto.
INSTANT DEATH.-Your SON was
standing BY me, and left me to see the
enemy's works ; he put his head above
the top of the earthern parapet. and a
large round-shot struck him on the head.
and his death was instantaneous be
could not possibly have suffered at all.
Being myself parent, can feel for YOU
and with you, and to me his death was
lrreParable. He only joined me a short
time, but in that time l had been able
to appreciate his good qualities, both in
a private as well as public capacity,
and had he been spared, he would have
oeen' ere long, an ornament to the pro-
iession. Willingly would 1 give way to
my feelings and weep for him as broth
"r, but stern necessity forbids it. have
large family myself; and, while am
writing these lines in haste, have to 90
into the trenches again, and God only
knows who may be the next. The Lord
gave, and the Lord may take away, and
we must all be prepared for our great
change whenever we may be called on.
His remains I brought with me to the
camp, and yesterday they were inferred
IN secluded valley close to the camp,
where they will not be disturbed when
we quit the country. They were follow
ed to the grave by numerous officers and
men. | had a quiet coffin made to put
him in, which 1 did with my own hands.
assisted by his servant, and fastened him
down myself, taking, alas . sorrowful,
long farewell of one whom much loved
and respected. l have also made ar
rangements for his grave being banked
: up, to preserve it. [ cut off some of his
hair, which l now inclose. His effects.
rings, &C., viii be forwarded to England
by the first opportunity. l have allowed
nothing to be disposed of, as his family,
: | dare say, will like to keep all his things
as tokens of the memory of one who, I
am sure, must have been good son.
? Trusting that l may meet him in bet
ter world, believe me, my dear Sir, very
truly.