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bernard_b1f6_001
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Dr. Frederick Robert Bernard Collection (MUM01719). Archives & Special Collections, University of Mississippi Libraries.
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Home Aug 2nd 1864 Oh my dear Sister, how can I bring my self to write the sad, heart rending tidings that this must contain. Your beloved brother, my own dear husband, is no more. Gone from us forever. Oh Sarah is not this more than human heart can bear. the warmest heart that ever throbbed in mortal bosom is now forever stilled in death. The noblest soul, the most affectionate husband, the fondest father, and brother, lies in a soldier's grave. And Oh the bitter anguish I am left to deplore his loss with unavailing sorrow. He fell on the 14th July near Okolona while leading his regiment to a charge. He was shot through the heart and died almost immediately without one message to console his "own Mollie." I am told he died nobly at his post, but that does not atone for his loss. If he had covered himself with glory in the opinion of the world, the anguish of my heart would be no less acute. Sarah you have had sorrow have been bereaved of your children, but do not, grieve for them anymore. They are far happier than any of us try to bear ever other affliction with resignation as long as your dear husband is spared to you. I must forbear I must hide my own sorrows in my [two illegible words] and tell you something of your poor dear Mother. I feel very much for her desolate condition. She left us this morning. Nobody at home with her except Tommy and old Aby. Neither of them stay at home much and she spends most of her time entirely alone. Her mind is almost entirely gone and I don't see how she is to get along. Her whole desire seems to be to have you and Mr. Bernard come down and stay with her. Tommy is a heavy expense. Mr. Smith does not furnish him with any thing. She will not rent her house and cannot sell it or she might come out and stay with us but she cannot remain contented here. She would be nearer happy with you at her home than in any other condition. If she was near us we could supply many of her wants but being so broken up, cannot do, as I would like. I have a tender feeling for Robert's mother, indeed all connected with him is near my heart. My poor little children, how their father loved them. In after years they will realize the loss. They are all unconscious of news. If you can possible come down come to us. Sorrow loves sympathy and what a consolation you would be to your Mother. Oh Sarah write to your afflicted Sister Mary Enclose your letter to Mrs. Ann Lum Vicksburg Mary McKay