Caring for the Enemy

[lelliott19]

I've posted previously about Daniel Morse Holt, Asst Surgeon 121st New York ..... an excerpt from an interesting letter dated May 15, 1863 detailing Holt's capture after Chancellorsville where he received help from Confederate Surgeons in caring for his wounded http://civilwartalk.com/threads/aid-and-comfort-to-the-opposition.120666/page-4#post-1262691 which may be of interest.

I've also posted this excerpt from a letter to his wife dated Sept. 16, 1862 on the aftermath of the Battle of Crampton's Gap which had occurred two days prior. But it seems fitting to repeat the post again in this thread.

"….then knapsacks, canteens, cartrage [sic] boxes, and accoutrements of all kinds strewed the ground. Shortly a rebel with his brains blown out, arms extended, and eyes protruding from their sockets – still on, others in all manner of positions -- some not yet dead but gasping the few remaining breaths away in utter unconsciousness of surrounding circumstances – others mortally wounded calling for water, knowing that eternity was separated only by a hair's breadth with thoughts of the far distant home in the South on their minds and the loved ones at home clustering around his dying – pillow—did I say, ah no! mother earth to which he soon will be consigned his only pillow now. Let his ears be jarred no more by booming cannon and rattling small arms, but let the heavenly choir as he is about to enter the portals of the tomb, enchant his departing spirit. No more let vengeance follow our misguided brother now he is going where loyal men and Rebels one are alike before a just and loving God. Surely this is no time to think of aught but mercy. Let not my passionate temper lead me to unfeeling hardship toward a fallen foe."

Link to previous post about Holt here https://civilwartalk.com/threads/asst-surgeon-daniel-morse-holt-121st-new-york.121081

 

[Cavalry Charger]

Let his ears be jarred no more by booming cannon and rattling small arms, but let the heavenly choir as he is about to enter the portals of the tomb, enchant his departing spirit. No more let vengeance follow our misguided brother now he is going where loyal men and Rebels one are alike before a just and loving God. Surely this is no time to think of aught but mercy. Let not my passionate temper lead me to unfeeling hardship toward a fallen foe."

That is beautiful @lelliot19, and a much appreciated share. I had no idea there was another thread detailing some of these stories, so I will definitely take a look at that. Thank you.