10 July 1864: “Dear Mother I think I can say that should it be my lot to meet the King of Terrors, I could do so without fear – ‘for thy rod and thy staff – they uphold me'[…]”

Item description:  Letter dated 10 July 1864 from Andrew Lucas Hunt to his mother, Sophia Hunt, with news of camp life and the death of fellow officer, Captain Lewis.  Andrew Lucas Hunt (1843-1905) of Chicago, Ill., was an officer with the 134th Illinois Regiment, United States Army, during the Civil War. 18640710_01 18640710_02Item citation:  Letter dated 10 July 1864, in the Andrew Lucas Hunt Papers, #3225, Southern Historical Collection, The Wilson Library, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Item transcription:

Camp Hancock July 10 Sunday.

My dear Mother
I have written a long letter to you on today. I merely write this to let you know that Capt Lewis is dead. He died about 15 minutes ago. I was present at the time. He was totaly unconscious of all passing events. The surgeon had him moved from his tent to the Hospital tent this afternoon. He did not know how near death he was. – he was so much better last evening that they thought of sending him home this AM – they obtained a furlough for him – but he was taken with a chill last night just as the fever left him and it cost him his life. Poor Man!

What thoughts this occurrence has brought up? How near Death has been to us – two deaths in the same week!! – I was talking to Col. McChesney he said he had hoped to take the regiment back to Chicago without loosing a man – Dear Mother I think I can say that should it be my lot to meet the King of Terrors, I could do so without fear – “for thy rod and thy staff – they uphold me” – I feel very sorry for his Company – I could not help shed tears when his men came up, one by one and took a farewell glance at him just before his death. He is not married – May God comfort his brothers and sisters! – He has six brothers. – It has thrown a gloom over all the regiment.

With very much love to all –
from your affectionate son
Lucas

I received the evening Fathers letter of then notifying me that he had sent me the mosquito gauze – very very much obliged. I hardly care about doing anything tonight. Poor Capt. Linn – He came out to fight for his Country – but lost his life and never struck a blow. He most truly has lain down his life for his Country!! Whose turn may it be next! – I feel so sorry. “The Lord doeth all things well” – “Thy will O God be done.” I am going the Grand Rounds tonight with Col. Bigelow.

L.

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