Spotsylvania County, Va.
May 10, 1864.
Dear Father:
This is my last letter to you. I went into battle this evening
as courier for Gen'l Heth. I have been struck by a piece of shell and my right
shoulder is horribly mangled & I know death is inevitable. I am very weak
but I write to you because I know you would be delighted to read a word from
your dying son. I know death is near, that I will die far from home and friends
of my early youth, but I have friends here, too, who are kind to me. My Friend
Fairfax will write you at my request and give you the particulars of my death.
My grave will be marked so that you may visit it if you desire to do so, but it
is optionary with you whether you let my remains rest here or in Mississippi. I
would like to rest in the graveyard with my dear mother and brothers, but it is
a matter of minor importance. Let us all try to reunite in heaven. I pray my
God to forgive my sins & I feel that his promises are true, that he will
forgive me and save me. Give my love to all my friends. My strength fails me.
My horse & my equipments will be left for you. Again a long farewell to
you. May we meet in heaven.
Your Dying Son,
J. R. Montgomery.
SOURCE: Julian Street, American Adventures: A Second Trip “Abroad at Home,” p. 232
