Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1861-09-20
Dealt, OF a Gallant Young LouI.sanian'

Death OF q Gallant Young Ionsssantah.
We publish below n letter from Brigadler
General Beekley to Dr.. J. Fl. L9ughboso ug,
detailing the circumstances Of the death oil
Nathan Loughborough, the Captain and Ad-
~jutant of the S5th Regiment Virginia Folun'
teers. The letter speaks for itself as u feeling
and just tribute to the memory of a gallant
and meritorious young officer, a native OF sir'
ginia, but for the greater portion of his lie a
resident Of Louisiana. His father, DIR. >. IL
Loughborough, is the present Senator from st.
Johu Baptist and St. James Parishes, Loulsl'
ana.
CAMP Laurel, FOOT OF CoTToN HILL,
September 9th. 1861.
DR.. j.. Ii. Loughborough, Thoroughiarc Sta
ton, Prince William county, Va:
Respected Sir The day before yesterday
addressed you a letter, directed to Parish 81,
John Baptist, Louisiana, conveying the sad
intelligence of the death Of your gallant son,
Nathan Loughborrough, Captain and AdJutant
35th Regiment Virginia Volunteers, IN an en-
gagement on the other side Of Cotton hill, on
Tuesday last, the Sd inst. Gen. Chapman and
myself were scouting the mountain and driving
the ellemy to the river. Capt Loughborough
led the 18th Regiment of my Brigade up the
ridge on the left of the road to the river, with
orders to beat the whole ridge. Just before
he was shot he had come to the road, and was
bravcly, but incautiously in the advance, when
the fatal shot was fired by an unseen enemy
concealed in the brush-laurel. the ball ana
three buck.shot passed through his head and
neck. intlicting immediate death. You are
greatly bereaved, for I learn he was an only
son and | feel myself greatly hereaved, but
yet not as you are.
Your son gave me perfect satisfaction in his
official position, which | had given him on the
recommendation of my son, Capt. Henry III.
Beekley and by bis respectful, amiable, kind
demeanor to myself and all Of my command,
be won an instant way to our hearts. Greatly
have we grieved at his untimely but glorious
death. Greatly are our co%ndolements called
forth to all Captain Loughborrough's relatives
ard friends.
Every suitable respect was paid TO his re-
mains. I could not obtain a better coffin than
4 plain walnut one, but be is buried at the
foot of the mountain in a shalloY grave, as
we presume you will, in accordance with his
wishes recently expressed, remove his body to
the family burial place in Fauquier county.
have his ring, and other articles in his vslise,
his saddle and bride, and his cloak, and will
keep everything safely until you can receive
them. We buried him in the clothes f:o had
on when killed. ;
I Informed Gen. Wise Of the sad event, and
he svmpathiscd much with US oil. In my let
ter OF the 4th | sent an extract from his letter
and an extract from my Order announcing his
death.
The men Of the 18th have made Ii rude rail.
Ing or fence around the grave, and written his
name on a tree at his head, as q heartfelt,
though humble tribute. Your son could al
W rs get them TO follow him anywhere.
4 captain and two p~rivatcs were made prl-
soners about the place where he was shot, and
it was difficult to get my soldiers from killing
them on the spot.
With my tender sympathies, aud those Of
my wife, who, though not here present, learn.
cd, in q few days residence at my home in
Raleigh county, to highly value and esteem
him. Respectfully, sir,
Your obd't servant,
A. Bentley,
Brigidicr- General and Colonel 35th Regimen!
Volunteers.