August 23rd, 1863 [Sunday]. Glastonbury Conn.
Isaac M. Fisher, Esq.
My sister received a letter from you some time ago, which would have been answered in this, had I been in a condition to write. I do so now, and will Endeavor to give you, so far as I am able, a complete account of the death of your son, Lt. Fisher.
The encampment, during the morning of the 1st of July, was the town of Hanover, PA. About 2 P.M. we started, and marched until 11 P.M. where we halted in the road, about three miles from Gettysburg, resting then, until 3 A.M. July 2nd. Then we moved forward, and halted in front of a heavy piece of oak timber about half a mile north of Gettysburg.
Then Capt. Bush and myself, with men were sent forward, and commenced skirmishing with the Rebel Picketts.
I was absent from the Regt. until 12 noon. When I joined them, they had moved to the left and was of the line of battle and were resting in the shade of a large oak. In front was a cornfield and a large farm at the left used as a hospital. On the right of the field, a road or lane led directly to the front, another road running at right angles in front of us.
Lieut. Fisher seemed cheerful—we talked and laughed wondering when we should get into the fight.
About 3 P.M. we moved by the flank at double quick—then forward into line which brought us to the crest of the hill the meadow in front, Round Top Mountain being some distance at our left. We crossed the meadow up the opposite side and the fight commenced.
Then we came to the only fence that we had in our way. Back of this fence was oak timber. It was about six rods further on that Lt. Fisher was shot. We had been engaged probably ten minutes when I saw Lt. Fisher suddenly clasp his hands upon his breast and fall. I cannot tell the precise spot where he was hit, but know it was on his right side near his breast. Just as he fell, the order was given to fall back, the Rebels attempting to flank us. I passed where Lt. Fisher was lying; he looked up—in that look was everything.
I had known him long. He was about my own age and our time in camp had been spent mostly with each other. I thought he might be only seriously wounded, little dreaming he was to die so soon.
Lt. Hamilton assisted me and he was carried some distance when we laid him down for a moment. Then Sgt. McCabe came and we put his rifle under him but barely raised from the ground when the Sergeant was shot. I then raised him in my own arms and carried him down the hill near to the stream in the meadow. But before we reach there he dies. During all that time he said not a word, and I don’t think he suffered much pain if any—I felt him straighten and go rigid as I carried him and he died like one going to sleep. That he was conscious I am quite certain for when I first saw him after he fell the look he gave me was more appealing more than any words he could have uttered and afterwards when the Sergeant came, he looked first at one and then the other, as if he knew who we were.
To you who know him so well it is not necessary for us to speak words in his praise. He commands the respect and esteem of all—he died nobly in a glorious fight!
I would be pleased to have a photograph of him. Enclosed I send my own.
Just as I reached the stream with him, I was wounded and could do no more. His watch and what else was in his pockets was taken by some one of the officers of the 10th and will be forwarded to you if you have not already received them. Lieut. Lauman had Lt. Fisher’s pistol—his sword I think, Lt. Hamilton brought off the field—yet I am not certain. At the time of Lt. Fisher’s death, he was acting as Lieutenant of Co. G of our Regiment.
Capt. Bush of the 10th (our Regiment) was probably the one who place the board at the head of his grave. With much sympathy for you all, in whom I shall ever feel a great interest, from my acquaintance with your son, believe me.
Very sincerely your friend, Robert G. Welles
Robert G. Welles to Isaac Fisher
Robert G. Welles to Isaac Fisher
Robert G. Welles to Isaac Fisher
