06/03/2024
Military Monday: 👉 May 8-21, 1864 was the Battle of Spotsylvania Court House during the Civil War. The following is a transcription of a letter by Pvt. James Robert Montgomery, a law student from the University of Mississippi, who died from his wounds shortly after completing the letter.
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Spotsylvania County, Va. May 10
Dear Father
This is my last letter to you. I went into battle this evening as courier for Gen. 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 Miss. I would like to rest in the grave yard with my dear mother and brothers but it's a matter of minor importance. Let us all try to reunite in heaven. I pray my God to forgive my sins and 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 and my equipments will be left for you. Again, a long farewell to you. May we meet in heaven.
Your dying son,
J.R. Montgomery
