18 December 1862: I was not present when he died But what I know was told me by the Ward Master He was perfectly resigned to his fate and expressed himself that he had made his peace with God

Item Description: Letter of 18 December 1862 from J. T. McCreight to the father of William A. Collins, reporting his son’s death on December 14th.

 [Transcription available below images.]

 

Item Citation: William A. Collins Papers #5095-z, Southern Historical Collection, Wilson Library, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Item Transcription:

Dec 18, 1862

Chimborazo Hospital Richmond

M.H. Collins

My Dear Friend

It is my painful duty
of writing you a few lines informing [you]
of the death of your Son W.A. Collins
Who departed this Life Sunday the
14 inst  I was not present when he died
But what I know was told me by the Ward
Master  He was perfectly resigned to his
fate and expressed himself that he had
made his peace with God

He was was perfectly conscious of his approach
ing Death and was not the least alarmed  
He had no request to make to his Dear
Parents and Friends at Home  
But his mind was better employed
 on mediating on things above

My Dear Friend I sympathize most
sincerely with you in your loss
But I believe and hope your loss is his
Eternal Gain and that his Bark  has
been safely moored in the Heaven of
Eternal Rest.

The words of the Ward Master was How
happy I should be if I could die as
Wm, Collins did  He was well nursed and
taken care of  But nothing could Stay
the hand of Death

He was buried in Oak Wood Cemetery

You should like to know if he had
any money or what was done with his effects  
The Ward Master did not tell me anything
about it  As it was not my business to enquire
 I did not do so  Any information you
should wish about your Son or his Effects
I should be glad to give it at your request
I will bring this to a close by begging to
Remain Your Friend

J. T. McCreight

P.S. I should be glad to hear from
you soon you can address me to Chimborazo
Hospital Richmond Virginia

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