Soldier informs a father of his son's death
Author
Recipient
Date Written
Oct. 6, 1864
Member of Series
The following was written 158 years, 5 months, 14 days ago.
It was a Thursday.
Rock Island Prison Barrack 30
Rock Island Ill. Oct. 16th/64
Gibson Taylor Esq.
Yelvington Ky.
Dear Sir;
I write you for the purpose of communication to you the sad intelligence of the death of your son Gibson. He died day before yesterday, Oct. 14th, in the hospital of pneumonia.
He was taken sick about the first of Oct. with a cold & cough but his sickness did not assume any serious form until about the 7th & he was then taken to the hospital. It may be a consolation to you to be assured that during his illness, especially after he was removed to the hospital, he rec'd every attention that circumstances would admit of. The Federal authorities are exceedingly attentive and kind to the sick prisoners & give them all the attention possible.
He is buried in the grave yard assigned to the prisoners & his grave numbered so that you can find his grave without any trouble by applying to the Commandant of the Post. Col. Johnson or the Prov. Marshal Col. Caraher.
I remain Sir
Yours &C
Patrick Coyle
Scans of Letter
