The Robesonian., 1918-10-24
A SOLDIER TRUE AND BRAVE
Death and Funeral of Don Sutton-A
True and Worthy Soldier and Man
Whose Accidental Death Was
MOurned by His Entire Regiment.
113th F. A. A. E. F., France,
Aup % 1919

Aug. 22, 1913.
Dear Mrs. Sutton:
The government has no doubt in
formed you Of the death of your son,
Don S. Sutton of battery "F", 18th
F. A. It was one of the saddest acci-
dents that has ever occurred in our
regiment, and no one regrets it quite
so much as the one who was the cause
Of his death. Don was sent out on
range guard last Friday morning. Hej
was armed with a Colts automatic pis
panion got an old French peasant to
they were eating the old man asked
to see the pistol In handling the un-
known weapon he must have touched
the trigger, for it went off, the bull
let going through Don's stomach.
| They 'phoned for an ambulance and
hurried him to the hospital. I i'm
mediately went over to see him, but
they were operating on him, and l
could not see him until the next day.
The poor old Frenchman was there
in his wooden shoes without a hat
or coat, crying as if his heart would
break. He told me that his own son
had been killed nine months ago on
the front by the Germans, and that
this was far greater sorrow than
the death of his son. It all made me
sadder than anything that has hap
pened in the army.
The next day when I saw Don he
seemed SO bright and brave that hop
ed he would pull through. We spoke
for a few moments about the things
that really count at such time. O.. his
faith in Christ, of his praying to Him,
and Don seemed to rely only upon
Him in his last hours. I went out
knowing that he was in great danger,
but hoping for the best. Outside, the
doctor and nurse told me how very
slim his chances were, but l hoped
still that the one small chance of re-
covery would be realized. Both nurse
and doctor were so concerned, were so
interested in him and cared for him
so faithfully that I thought he might
get we'll. But the next morning, Sun
day, real early, some one phoned over
from the hospital that he had passed
away. Not only the battery, but the
entire regiment, was saddened, for all
had heard of the accident.
The next day, Monday, we laid him
to rest in the pretty little cemetery
the American Government has secur-
ed here. Situated on the edge of a
pretty little wood, it is being kept
in order and beautified by the gov,
ernment The entire battery attended
the funeral. Six black horses drew
the artillery caisson on which the
body rested. The band marched ahead
playing the "Funeral March" There
was an armed escort and eight pail
bearers. Colonel Cox and captain
Morrison marched in the procession
At the grave we had a funeral ser
vice, and the band played Nearer, M!
God. to Thee" and "Abide With Me-
[ failed to mention that as the bod!
was being carried through the camp
to the grave the coffin was covered
with large American flag, and al
the Frenchmen and American soldier
stood at salute or uncovered.
! When these sad events occur so ia
away I can't help thinking that yo1
people back home long for some news
and that is why I have written s.
! much at length. I would comfort you
heart if I knew how to DO so, bu
human comfort is so weak IN such
} case. I can only commend you to hin
who gave His own and only Son to oil
for others. l know He understands
! sorrowing mothers heart, and l pra,
vou gave to the world and to you
} country one who was good, true