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Louisa A. Smith to Matilda Norman, 3 June 1864

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Identifier	bridges_25
Title	Louisa A. Smith to Matilda Norman, 3 June 1864
Author	Smith, Louisa A.
Date	3 June 1864
Location	Staunton (Va.)
Subject	Confederate States of America. Army. Mississippi Infantry Regiment, 11th. Company A
Broader Subject	Confederate States of America -- Archival resources Confederate States of America. Army -- Military life
Description	Letter from Louisa A. Smith to Matilda Norman telling her of her (Norman's) brother's death by fever the day before at 9AM; offers to send a lock Richard's hair and his ring to her.
Transcript	Staunton, Va., June 3rd, 1864 Mrs. Matilda Norman. My dear Madam. I wrote to you a short time since a letter dictated by your Brother, Mr. R. C. Bridges. He was at that time in a slow fever which we had hoped might be relieved by careful attention, but it pleased God it should be otherwise - and it is my painful duty to announce to you that he quietly breatfced his last yesterday morning at 9 o'clock. The ladies in this town have been much interested in the wounded soldiers recently sent here from the bloody fields of Spottsyl-vania and have visited them endeavoring to add some home comforts and cheering words to what they could from the nurses at the hospital. I have been one of this number and have for some time past been much with your brother. He has been, a great sufferer, but spoke to me often of his Trust in a Saviour who is strong to save to the uttermost those who' come unto God by Him". The night before his death I was with him till a late hour. He was, I saw, fast sinking. As I sat by him he opened his eyes and said "Oh, Mrs. Smith, as I slept I dreamed I saw my Mother". I thought then it could not be long before his spirit goes to join his Mother's before the Great White Throne. I was not with him to the last, but the nurse told me he passed away peacefully being unconscious for some hours preceeding his death. During the night his mind seemed to wander to your far off Mississippi home, and he called for"Sister Matilda^1, He made an effort once to sing and on being asked what he wished to sing he murmured - "When mine eyelids close in death!1, it being as you may recollect a sweet line from the beautiful hymn commending "Rock of Ages Cleft for me". remains were carefully and decently attended as you could have wished. I gathered a bunch of fresh summer roses, and as I laid them on his brewst, I prayed God to bless those left behind to mourn noble spirit sacrificed in his I took away a bud to send you and hope you will value it as one which tho placed there by a stranger's hand was laid on his lifeless form with the tenderness and of a sister. I have a lock of his hair and a black ring which he wore on his finger. These I will not send you now for fear the way is not open to a point so distant, but I will keep them till/hear from you or some other of your brother's friends telling me whether or not to send them. A letter directed to Mrs. Louisa A. Smith, Staunton, Va., Box No. 16 will reach me safely I hope. And I will answer you promptly making such disposition as you' should direct of the ring and hair. With best wishes for yourself and family, I am, Madam, Yours most respect fully, Louisa A. Smith
Type	text
Original Format	correspondence
Original Collection	Richard C. Bridges Collection
Collection Finding Aid	http://purl.oclc.org/umarchives/MUM01789/
Citation	Richard C. Bridges Collection, Special Collections, University of Mississippi Libraries
Rights	This item is free from copyright and may be reproduced without prior consent.

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Louisa A. Smith to Matilda Norman, 3 June 1864

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Louisa A. Smith to Matilda Norman, 3 June 1864

Louisa A. Smith to Matilda Norman, 3 June 1864