**_Hdqtrs. 9th Ga. Regt. in camp
near Rapidan Station
May 23rd 1863

My Dear Lucie,
I know not how to write you in this hour of affliction. Ask that God, upon Whom you are wont to lean, to give you grace that you may be able to bear the sad intelligence of the untimely death of our dear dear son, Terrell, who fell mortally wounded in the late terrible conflict near Chancellorsville while leading his company in a charge against the enemy. He lingered for nine days and expired. He had Capt. R.P. Lester of his Regt. to write me (of) his situation and expressed a desire to see me immediately. That letter did not reach me until the 19th instant, when he had been dead 7 days. I first received verbal intelligence that he had escaped unhurt, and on or about the 10 inst. received information that he was dead and buried (all this was verbal). I wrote to the comding. officer of his Regt. for information. I received his this evening, which together with the letter of Captn. R.P. Lester, I also sent you. On receiving the letter of Captn. Lester, 19th at night, I left immediately and went through on horseback. By 10 o'clock next morning, the army having fallen back to Hamilton Crossing, I could not find anyone to inform me, and for two days visited every grave I could find to acertain, if possible, the final resting place of our dear son. When having failed, I rode through to near Guinea Station, and at Gen. A.P. Hill's Headquarters, was informed he died at the Lacy house, which was used as a Division hospital. He was not there, but owing to the great kindness of Dr. McQueen of the Sixth Alabama Regiment, I found his grave with his name inscribed on the headboard, and with the words, "Peace be to thy ashes, thy work is done." I put a small fence around his grave, and wrote his name plainly on the board, drew the dirt up on the grave, solemlny invoked the blessing of God on his departed spirit and the distressed ones he has left behind, and in much distress wended my way back to my Tent (?) home. I have heard he died contented and satisfied with his fate. I trust his soul rests with God, who gave it. Poor, dear Molly. She has doubtless learned his sad fate before this. I am convinced it is impossible for me to get a furlough at this time. I feel that duty to my family, to Terrell's family, and my feeble health, justifies me in tendering my resignation, which I will do shortly. Bear your affliction with Christian patience and fortitude. It is the fate of thousands-even the immortal Jackson fell in this great struggle. I am prepared to meet the will of Heaven concerning me and mine (Ed.-hole in letter) becoming fortitude and resignation. I have no ambition to serve, no malice to gratify; I go forth, I trust, with the approval of God, to stay and destroy the cruel enemies of my beloved country. When and where this war will end is known only to God. A firm reliance on Him will nerve us for every conflict, and give us victory on every field, for time only increases the determination of our soldiery. Let me exhort you to be of good cheer. Mourn not over the loss of our dear boy, but humbly bow to the will of a wise and inscrutable God. My dear Fannie, do not grieve, for I trust the soul of thy noble brother rests with the just in Heaven. He has only gone ahead of us to make plainer the path of duty. My dear Molly and Sarah, remember the looks and nobleness of soul, which ever actuated thy departed brother in his every action. I must close for the present and will write again soon. John is not well. Tom well, but much grieved. Give my love to all and accept for yourself, the devoted love of your much grieved, but resigned husband.
J.C. Mounger_**

T T Mounger