Item No. 7812694

A poignant letter from Captain John L. Stetson of Company E, 16th New York Infantry, informing Simon Emery of the death of his son, Private Benjamin G. Emery, who died of consumption in a brigade hospital on December 18, 1861. Stetson describes the care given Emery, his burial with military honors near camp, and the $20.80 in back pay and $100 wartime bounty due his family. He also notes that the government would deduct $7.68 for clothing issued beyond Emery’s allowance. The letter was written from Camp Franklin, Virginia, which was near the Fairfax Seminary, on January 3, mistakenly dated 1861 rather than 1862.

Stetson was promoted to lieutenant colonel of the newly formed 59th New York Infantry in March 1862. That September, while fighting in the West Woods at the Battle of Antietam, he was shot and killed after encouraging his men to rally around the colors.

The letter was written on both sides of a single letter sheet measuring about 8” x 10”. Light foxing and minor ink stains. Creased where originally folded. The full transcript appears below.

Camp Franklin Va.
Jan 3d 1861

Simon Emery Esq.

Dear Sir
It becomes my painful duty to inform you of the death of your son Benjamin G. Emery, a Private in my company. He died on the 18th of December last and was buried with military honors fitting his position in a place selected for deceased soldiers close by our camp. He was sick for about a month and died in the Hospital of our Brigade, having received every care and attention that human and surgical aid could furnish him. He had good nursing and wanted for nothing. He died of Quick Consumption and from the time he was taken down waisted rapidly. Had I known your address, I should have immediately informed you of the fact. It was not till a few days ago, however, that I was made aware of it, and then by opening a letter received addressed to you now. He was last paid on the 31st of October and left nothing at the time of his death except a worn out uniform, having used up all that was paid him on the 31st of October. There is due him from the U.S. pay from the 1st of Nov to the 18th Dec, which amounts to 20.80 twenty dollars and eighty cents. By act of Congress passed July 24th 1861, you will be entitled to draw at the end of the war $100 one hundred dollars bounty as his legal Representative. I can not draw the $20.80 nor can you without the proper authority. I am not now able to furnish it to you, but will in a few days, having just to forward to the war department an Inventory of his effects. When I hear from it I will write you.
Yours &c.
J. L. Stetson
Capt Co “E” 16th Regt.
N.Y.S.V.

P.S. Your son is indebted to the U.S. for clothing overdrawn $7.68, which will have to be deducted from what is due him.