D. H. Blair, Company D, 45th Ohio Volunteers, 2nd Brig, 1st Div., Army of the
Cumberland

Near Atlanta Ga
Aug 8 64


Dear Father & Mother

I had a letter dated Aug 2d last evening from my comred Wm S. Jordan that is in the
hospital at Jeffersonville Ind. He saw brother Morrow that day and said that he appeared
then to be dying & that the doctor said he could not live till the next day. Jordan also
stated that the ward master had telegraphed for you & was expecting one or both of you
there. So I suppose you know more about him then I do. But I have but little reason to
hope that he is yet alive. Oh that I could be with you to weep and also to comfort you in
sorrow. It is sad and sorrowful indeed and I have only my solitary tent to retire to, to weep
or retire to some grove or thicket alone. And it is partly for you dear parents that I feel
sorry & have to weep. So many of your children are scattered & and you are left so near
being alone now in your old age when you so much need the comfort and help of your
children. But try and be patient for awhile and most likely some of us will return to you.

So for the (supposed) departed we are, I hope, not called to mourn as those that have no
hope. You know more of his recent life than I do, but I trust that we have reason to hope
that Morrow is now in a better mansion than a milatary hospital. What has been our loss
has been his great gain. Then why weep or despair over our loss? Could we wish for him
to return from happiness to this sinful vale of tears. Perhaps, Dear Parents I may never be
allowed the privilege of meeting you again on earth but if not I hope & pray that we may
meet where wars are not practiced and where there are pleasures evermore.

Then let us live according to our best knowledge of the will of Him who died that we
might have life. Then let us obey His will and then trust for all we need to His grace and
mercy. We must practice Faith, Hope, & Charity. But I need not try to advise you for you
have taught me a religion that has been a pleasure and comfort & support to me amid the
most horrible and dangerous scene of war, and I hope that both of you enjoy at least an
equal share of that religion you have taught me.

The mail has just come and brought an official notice to the company that Moses M. Blair
died on Aug 3d of chronic diarrhea in the Col Holt US Gen Hospital Jeffersonville Ind.
and now dear parents that you may enjoy the comforting influence of the Holy Spirit, the
consolation of faith, and peace of conscience, and the Grace of an Almighty Father and
Protector is the prayer of your devoted son

D H Blair

As you believe the scripture accept this with charity & love.