A MOTHER’S LETTER
[From a dying soldier boy.]
The Alabama papers in 1863 published the following letter from Private John Moseley, a youth who gave up his life at Gettysburg:
Battlefield, Gettysburg, Pa.,
July 4, 1863.Dear Mother:
I am here, prisoner of war and mortally wounded. I can live but a few hours more at furthest. I was shot fifty yards from the enemy’s line. They have been exceedingly kind to me. I have no doubt as to the final result of this battle, and I hope I may live long enough to 130 hear the shouts of victory before I die. I am very weak. Do not mourn my loss. I had hoped to have been spared, but a righteous God has ordered it otherwise, and I feel prepared to trust my case in His hands. Farewell to you all. Pray that God may receive my soul.
Your unfortunate son,
John.