Mrs. M. B. Davis to Richard Yates

With C Balance letter 8/2/63

His Ex Richard Yates

Springfield Illinois (8/2/63)

Dear Sir

I have been deeply bereaved in the death of my son R McKee Davis who was mortally wounded while defending the honored old Flag on the 22d of May before the entrenchments at Vicksburg.

"He had followed the Flag to the fortifications of the enemy, fighting bravely, when by a murderous fire from the foe, with explosive balls, he was shockingly wounded in the left thigh above the knee" says his chaplain.

"I was near him" continues the chaplain, and witnessed his cool, calm courage - saw him about to plant the flag on the fortifications as he fell - The flag was planted and his eye beamed with [patriotic?] triumph as he beheld it wave from the ramparts

of the foe. I helped to bind up his wound - left him upon the stretcher and saw him conveyed from the field." "Tell my mother" said he "I die in the faith and hope of the christian - tell my young wife to live near then Savior and bring up our child in the fear of God so that we may meet in heaven."

Pardon me dear sir for going into such particulars. My chief desire now is to get his remains when the weather gets cooler and have them near us.

I write to you believing that you have much benevolence - to ask if you could assist me in this dearly cherished object. I cannot raise all the means as I am in straitened circumstances pecuniarely.

If you or any of the old friends of my late husband Samuel H. Davis a patriot and

christian long since gone to the spirit would assist me in this matter I should be very greatly indebted and so would his distressed widow. - Please let me hear from you at your convenience - My PO address is Mrs M B Davis, Box 1112 PO Chicago

Most respectfully yours

Mrs M B Davis