WILLIAMS FAMILY LETTERS- #13
 

Agnes Williams to Abiel

                                                                                  Leicester   [1]

                                                                                                July 20^th, 1864

Corporal A. P. Williams

            I have kept neglecting writing you and thanking you for the kind interest you took in him that can be here on earth no more. It has seemed as sad task to perform but I consider it a privilege to think that one that was so thoughtful of my feelings. If such news must come it came the most pleasant way. It comes to many and we can sympathize more fully with each other for nearly every heart is sad at the thought of some one that is no more. I have felt within a few days as if you might be able to give me a little information in regards to his last moments. His parents have learned considerable but we can never know or hear too much about our friends. He lived but a few moments to suffer. I feel anxious to know if he did suffer through the whole and if he was aware that he was dying and was so he could think and realize the great change that was before him and if he said anything that can be a comfort to his friends in the thought that he was prepared to meet his God. It would be a great source of conciliation to me if we could know that he was but I trust I have reason to think that he was and I try to think that if our poor soldiers must die and are prepared that they are spared much suffering that we in this world must pass through. We are all led to see the need of a Saviors love and to know that life is worth nothing if we are without it. I trust that you do feel the verity of this world and without Christ you are lost. No one can pass through what your Regt. has and is passing through without thinking that life is uncertain and that death comes to all sooner or later. This world is full of it’s trials to us all and if we are helped by the great God that endeth all things we all at last enjoy a reward that will well remind all that we suffer here.

            I hope that we shall be able to get his remains in the fall if it is thought that those not buried in a box can be obtained. I wish I might know if he was wrapped in anything or if not if his face was covered perhaps it may seem foolish but there are many questions that I would like to know. If you receive this and will see to the trouble to answer and give me some information I shall feel much indebted to you always and do know for the kindness that you have shown me. And if there is anything that you know about him that can be of interest to me I shall be very grateful if you will be kind enough to write. I feel as if I was asking a great deal while you are passing through so much but I may be able to do something for some one that will feel it to be as much of a favor.

                                                                                    Respectfully Yours

                                                                                    Agnes C. Newton