The Civil War: Letters From the Front

Welcome. This is a collaborative undertaking to make available the many letters from Union soldiers that exist in the Widows' Certificates pension files at the US National Archives. For a complete description, please see the "Project Proposal" page. If you would like to contribute, please read the instruction page and contact the administrator for more information.

Friday, November 26, 2010

WC 60336

Name: James E. Coburn
Regiment: 2nd Louisiana Infantry, Co D
Letters: Death notice
Death: Wounds, Port Hudson




Head Quarters 2nd Reg't La. Vols
Bivouac near Port Hudson May 29, 1863

Madame
It is my painful duty to inform you of the death of your son Lieut. James E. Coburn of this regiment--
He died this afternoon of a wound received in the assault on Port Hudson on May 27-- a ball passing through his body--
He had been suffering from protracted illness for a long time & remained at camp at Baton Rouge expecting daily to receive a leave of absence & to go home for a time to recover his health & strength when he heard on the 22d of an engagement in which his regiment had taken a prominent part on the previous day-- he at once started out & joined us, & four days later received his death wound in the sever action of the 27th.
His conduct was noble & heroic
His death was that most coveted by a soldier.
I am Madame with most sincere sympathy
Your Obedient Servant
Chas. J. Paine
Col. Commd'g Regt.

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