Letter written by Chaplain A. M. Stewart
Of The Death Of Lewis Z. Kniess, Pvt. Pa 102nd Co H
December 14, 1861
A transcription of the letter:
Tennelly D.C. Dec. 14 -1861
Dear Sir
It is feeling much sorrow and deep sympathy with you as a father and your wife
as a mother
that I announce to you the death of your son Lewis Kness this afternoon. Of his
sickness
you have been apprised and this in some measure are prepared for this sad news.
May that God who can alone strengthen and comfort send you and your family
the influences of His blessed Spirit in this your hour of sorrow.
While, however, losing a son, you have many causes for rejoicing. So far
as human judgment could decide he died a christian.
It was my privilege to talk and pray with him frequently while sick.
He had much comfort of mind and when his sickness became evidently unto
death, he was fully aware of approaching death talked about it
cheerfully-expressing
no fears, but joyful readiness to go and be with Jesus.
Shortly before he died, looking earnestly up, he exclaimed, "Oh I see
the Angels coming for me". He received every possible care, attention,
nursing and affection
from the young men who came out with him. They all sorrow much over
his loss. They are very anxious to send a few of their number home with him with
his body, but no furloughs are granted for this purpose now.
He will therefore be buried here if afterwards you should desire to have
his remains taken home it could be done. We will bury him tomorrow,
(Sabbath)
afternoon in a burying ground belonging to a Methodist Church in the little
village of Tennelly. His young friends are seeing to everything connected
with
his funeral that all things shall be properly arranged. They will also
carefully
mark his grave.
The young men will also write to you any particulars you may desire to have.
Though never having met you yet knowing your sorrow I feel like sorrowing with
you.
Believe me your friend in sorrow.
A. M. Stewart, 13th Reg. Penn Vol.
George Kness and wife.
Submitted by Lynn K. Lepley © all rights reserved
[Lewis Zion Kniess is the Great great Uncle of Lynn K. Lepley]