Camp Anna, Near Fredericksburg, Va. May 25th 1863

Dear Aunt and Granmother,

It is with much regret an a pain that I have to write the awful sircumstance to you. I wont you both to take it as easey as you can. O my Lord have mercy on us all. Vanderver is deed. He died the 22nd of May. He was taken sick on the 18th and died the 22nd. I want both to take as easey as you can. I am very sorry that he died but it is a deat [debt] we all have to face and I believe that he has faced that deat well for he is in glory this morning with the angels praising God. I do think that he is a heap better then we are although I morn the loss of a friend and especially a brother an a uncle.

Aunt Emily I want you to meet him in heaven for you may be satisfied that he is there this morning and _____ _____ meeting him in heaven where there is no more tears but where will be peace for ever. I cant tell you any thing about Vandervers things. He took them of [off] with him when he went off. He never got to no hospital. He died at the depot. He drawd 22 dollars the day before he died. Emely I pray God to bless you and Gran maw and save us all in heaven is my prey for Christ sake.

Emely Sartain                                              Gilford Sartain
Anna Sartain

Dear Brother Berry I wont you to take this letter to Emely and Gran mow and read it to them and tell them to take it as easy as they can. May God bless you all Amen.