Western Reserve chronicle. [volume] (Warren, Ohio) 1855-1921, 1863-02-11
Death of Lieut.. Bell.
NASHVILLE Tenn,

Jan. 18th, 1863.
Reuben Bel ESq.,-Dear Sri do not
expect the receipt of this will announce
the death of your dear sou-others have
done this. To me he was more than an
ordinary friend, our long continued asso-
citation had bound a natural friendship
until he was as a brother. Enlisting ear
ly in the present conflict, forming a part
of the second company that left this
county. BY his quiet, but prompt atten-
ton to all duties in the short but trying
campaign in Va, whilst serving as a pri-
vate he so endeared himself to all that
he was unanimously elected I'd Lieut., in
the three years Co.raised Immediately af-
tire the disbanding of the old company
Feb, 5th, 1862, he was promoted LIST Lieut..
the second promotion in the Regt.-
Through the campaigns of 1861 and '6:,
in KY, and Tenn, Lieut.. Bell was fore
most with the Co, setting an example to
the men of perseverance and determin-
alton ever ready for scout or march, laugh
ing at hardships,-all were the same to
him.
His gallant conduct on the bloody
field of Shiloh. stands a proud record of
itself and at once placed him as an officer
whose courage one could question; cool
est when the leaden hail was thickest, as
ready to lead the gallant men under him
as they were to follow. For some time
he had the entire command of Co. c; the
dicipline appearance and standing of the
men show with what care he looked af-
ter their every comfort. But his sun wss
sitting; through the dangers of Wednes-
day, Thursday and Friday he escaped
unhurt until the last bloody charge of
Friday he fell pierced by a rife ball in
the breast. He fell urging his men never
to give way, 1.-The exact words were not
distinctly heard"
His remains together with his brave
comrades who fell with him, the modest
Roman of them ALL" Capt. Bear of Co, E.
and Sergt. Major Tyler, were buried
near the general field hospital about four
miles from Murfreesboro. each distinctly
marked so that no trouble will arise in
the Identification. To Lieut.. Bell there
appeared to be a bright future, but he
tarried not to receive new honors almost
awaiting him, but soon followed his fast
friend, the brave and gallant Donnavan,
of Co. b. Friends in life, they are togeth-
er now. From their comrades who remain
another vow has gone to heaven that
their deaths shall yet more bitterly be
avenged, nor will they cease until the
last armed rebel has disappeared and the
| glorious old Stars and Stripes float from
every spire in our land. Yet it griyes us
! to see arising in the north those who
! under the garb and p~retension of friends
would render such sacrifices of no effect.
Who by their actions seem to only await
a marshalling of their forces before throw
ing off the himsy vail that now course
their deeds, and proclaiming openly in
favor of our foes. Their hope must be
destroyed. The North can never again
be controlled by the s%lsve-ocracy, or a few
would be despots.
To your bereaved family 1 tender my
heartfelt sympathy in this dark hour.
Your son died faithfully discharging his
duty, honored and respected by his fellow
officers and men.
Respectfully Yours,
H. G STRATF0N.
Capt. 10Th Ohio Regiment.