A Soldier’s Farewell — 202
The following, written in pencil, was found on the body of a Union soldier. It commenced: “I, John Wilheimer, Second New York Cavalry. I am shot and dying. Whoever finds me, send this to Sarah Wilheimer, Brooklyn Post-office, New York. She is my sister, and only relative in the country. Oh! my poor sister, do not break your heart; but I am shot through the breast and dying, and they have gone and left me here.” * * * What followed in this paragraph is obliterated by blood. The next sentence reads: “Write to Conrad Vitmare, of our company; he owes me fifty dollars, which he will pay you. Oh! my dear sister, farewell!”