La Fayette, Iowa July 9th 62 Dear Mother & Mollie, You heard of Davy's death several days before we did, but our feelings since we did hear, you can only measure by your own. We only heard of it two days before Father rec'd Mother's let- ter stating that you had rec'd the sad intelli- gence, and could not believe it then, until it was confirmed by the boys from Ohio, on the next day, who came by Corinth & Monterey and visited his grave. It was as much a terrible surprise to us as to you. I rec'd Mary's letter this even- ing. You ask - and properly, too - why Davy was left to die alone; i.e. amongst strangers. I will tell you just how it happened. When [?] S., Timmons and myself were ordered to Monterey with the rest of the sick, Davy applied for permission to go, partly because he felt un- well, party because he thought it best that some- one should go with the sick. When we arrived at the Hospital he felt worse and continued to feel quite unwell, but, while I remained there, did not become
