July 27, 1863 letter to Noah Dean, father of deceased soldier Isaac Newton Dean, Co. K who died of illness shortly after the Battle of Vicksburg letter written by Lt. Richard Craven, Co. K

Thanks to Chuck Dean for transcribing and contributing this letter information on his ancestor for the 100th Pennsylvania Website!  Websmith Note:  per eyewitness account of Pvt. Ethan S. Morehead, Co. K, Lt. Craven was "blown to pieces" a year later at the Battle of the Crater by an artillery shell, killing him instantly. Morehead is quoted in a letter as stating, "poor fellow, he didn't know what hit him".  Craven, like thousands of soldiers from both sides, payed the ultimate price for his strong convictions.   

 

Lt. Richard Craven, Co. K

Head Quarters Co “K,” 100th Pa. Vols,

Milldale July 27th 1863 

Mr. Dean,

            I suppose you have heard of the death of your Son Newton.

            When we were on board of the steamer Alice Dean, he hurt his leg by having it strained below the knee from the effect of which he never got well of.

            After we had disembarked from the steamer and when we were marching across the Point opposite Vicksburg he came to me and told me he was not able to keep up with the company, and I told him to get in one of the wagons that we had along which was the only way the sick had to get along our ambulances not being along with us.

            After we came to this camp, he was taken to the hospital where he would be better cared for than he could be in the company quarters.

            I went to see him almost every day till we left this camp which was about two weeks before he died. I went to see him the day before we left here, and he thought he would be well in a few days, but he got worse and died on the 15th ins’t.

            He was buried by a few of his messmates who were left back sick. His grave is on the hill about ½ mile south of the Milldale Baptist Church. We have put up a neat head board, with the inscription – “I N Dean, Co “K.” 100th Regt PV.” If you ever want to have his remains removed you will have no trouble in finding his grave.

            Newton was always on hands on a march or in battle. He not only had a great many friends in this company but in all the regiment who were acquainted with him – liked him. I would have written sooner, but we didn’t hear of his death till after we came back from Jackson.

            Enclosed with this I sent the final statement inventory of effects and descriptive list. Since we came here his pocket-book containing $16.00 was gave to me and I have turned it and his knapsack and what clothes he had in it, to John, he will have them expressed to you as soon as we get to a place where it can be done.

            You will be entitled to the bounty of $100.00 and all of his back pay from April 30th to July 15th 1863, and you will see on the descriptive list the amount of pay coming to him for clothing not drawn.

            John intends to write you a few lines and send with this. So you must excuse this short letter.

 

Very Respectfully

Your obd’t Serv’t

Richard P. Craven Lieut

Co “K” 

Mr. N. Dean, Sr.

Lawrence Co. Penna.

 

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