Colonel Rutherford B. Hayes to Mrs. Delany, July 26, 1863

Camp White, West Virginia, July 26, 1863

Mrs. Delany: — I have seen several officers and men who were with your husband at Wytheville. His company led the attack on the town. Captain Delany's horse was killed under him and some think he was slightly wounded soon after the attack began. Captain Delany continued the attack, encouraging his men by his example until he was killed instantly by a ball in his head. His body was taken to a house outside of the town, and it is a gratification to know that it was left in charge of Father Heidekamp, a friend of your husband, who is in charge of a parish at Wytheville.

I will get together the property of your husband and send it to you as soon as practicable.

A flag of truce will be sent towards Wytheville when further particulars will be known.

Sincerely,

R. B. Hayes,                       

Colonel Commanding First Brigade.

SOURCE: Charles Richard Williams, editor, Diary and Letters of Rutherford Birchard Hayes, Volume 2, p. 423-4

Senator James W. Grimes to Senator William P. Fessenden, October 12, 1862

Burlington, October 12, 1862.

I have been absent nearly four weeks canvassing the State, and only returned last evening. I knew of the death of your son¹ before I left home. I attempted on two occasions to write to you, but failed to send or even complete either letter. I know the anguish that you must feel, and I feared that I would but open your wounds afresh. I think that the last conversation I had with you in Washington was in your room, and about Samuel. You know very well what I thought of him. I always thought that there were the elements of great success in him, and that he would one day be a credit to himself, his family, and to the country. If I knew how to do it I would condole with you. You know that you have my deepest sympathy in your affliction.

I have ceased to write or talk about the generals and the Administration. The men of brains are still overslaughed and ignored, and it would seem that they are to continue to be.

Our election takes place day after to-morrow. I have traveled nearly four weeks, speaking every day. I think we shall elect all six of our Congressmen, and they will all be capital men. My wife sends love. When I came home she was full of praises of your tax-bill speech,² pronouncing it the best she had seen from you. I tried to laugh her out of it, but, woman-like, she adheres to that opinion. Did you ever hear any one else say that?

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¹ Mortally wounded at Bull Run, Virginia, August 30, 1862.

² June 6, 1862.

SOURCE: William Salter, The Life of James W. Grimes, p. 217

General Robert E. Lee to Dr. Orlando Fairfax, December 28, 1862

CAMP, FREDERICKSBURG, December 28, 1862.

MY DEAR DOCTOR:

I have grieved most deeply at the death of your noble son.¹ I have watched his conduct from the commencement of the war, and have pointed with pride to the patriotism, self-denial, and manliness of character he has exhibited. I had hoped an opportunity would occur for the promotion he deserved; not that it would have elevated him, but have shown that his devotion to duty was appreciated by his country. Such an opportunity would undoubtedly have occurred; but he has been translated to a better world, for which his purity and piety eminently fitted him. You do not need to be told how great is his gain. It is the living for whom I sorrow. I beg that you will offer to Mrs. Fairfax and your daughters my heartfelt sympathy, for I know the depth of their grief. That God may give you and them strength to bear this great affliction, is the earnest prayer of,

Your early friend,

R. E. LEE.

DR. ORLANDO FAIRFAX, Richmond.

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¹ Randolph Fairfax.

SOURCE: John William Jones, Life and Letters of Robert Edward Lee: Soldier and Man, p. 473