I cheerfully concur in the above.
(Signed) S. B. Walkley,
Lieutenant-Colonel 46th Regiment, M. V. M.
Fort Gibson, Indian Territory.
June 1, 1888.
My Dear Old Comrade and Friend:
Your letter of the 13th of May just received, and I hasten to reply. I was glad to hear from you and glad to find you still on the shores of mortality, where our numbers are fast diminishing. Our duty now lies in planting the principles and memory of the great struggle in the hearts of generations to follow us, endear to them the old flag that you carried from the Wilderness to North Anna, so gallantly and faithfully, and teach them to love their country which was saved at such a sacrifice.
Yes, Karpeles, I well remember you at the Battle of North Anna; I remember that you carried the colors of the glorious old "57th," far beyond any other colors; your bravery was conspicuous. I remember that you fell, badly wounded; another Sergeant was sent to take the colors from you but you refused to give them up but carried them forward until loss of blood, or another wound, I have forgotten which, compelled you to give them into the hands of another. I remember all of this distinctly as I felt justly proud of you as a Sergeant of Company "E." * * * *.
Please write me and accept my very best wishes.
Sincerely and fraternally yours,
John Anderson,
1st Lieutenant, 18th Infantry,
U. S. Army.