Centerville.
Monday, Sept. 1, 1862
Dear Uncle:
I had rather it were someone's task than mine, to write to you on the present occasion, but I feel it is my duty, and however painful the task, I must perform it. But what word can I find, to break to a bereaved family, the news of the death of a son. Yes, poor Roe is gone. He was shot through the breast on the 29th while we were charging on the skirmishers of the enemy. He was immediately taken back and carried to the hospital. I went to him as soon as I came off the field. He was in considerable pain, but said that he was going to get well. I did all I could for him, but our regiment went into action again, and I left him to go with it, to revenge him. I left Robert Kinnear (who was at the hospital sick) with him and he said he would stay with him. We did not come off the field until about 9 o'clock at night, and I had no chance to see him, but the next morning, before daylight, I went to the hospital and found that he was dead. He died that night about one o'clock. Robert Kinnear was with him when he died. We started to dig a grave, but the doctor took all the men that he could find to carry off the wounded who were there, as the rebels were expected in there every moment, but I would not leave him, even at the risk of being taken prisoner again. So I finished the grave alone, and buried him as well as I could. I placed a board at its head with the following inscription, written with a lead pencil: "Sergeant R.A. Hall, Co. D., Ist Rifles, P.R.V.C., died Aug. 30th, 1862." The man who lives there is "Conrad," and he promised me he would see that no one disturbed the grave, or the head board. It is in sight of the old "Bull Run Battle Field," and if I get killed and you want to find it, Charley Masten or Robert Kinnear can show you the place, if you should ever want to find it.
No one killed in our company but him, although some were wounded, but no Warren boys. We have been in two fights since then, and have been on the move all the time, with scarcely any sleep. Our regiment has just come in from picket duty and as soon as I send this, I will try and get a little sleep.
From your Nephew,