July 13th 1863 [Monday]. City of Wilmington
My Dear:
It is 10 o’clock and I have retired to my rooms to grieve in private. Our worst fears are realized and I know that William is no more.
I have seen Lt. Bradford, who is at home, slightly wounded in the foot, and he told me that he saw the dead body of our dear boy.
He was killed on Thursday the 2nd of July as we supposed by a musket or rifle ball in or through the body and was buried with the other officers named in the list which we saw on the battlefield.
Lt. Bradford says he thinks they were put in coffins and that I shall be able to obtain his body and if I do, I will have it with me when I get home.
Lt. Bradford also thinks I shall obtain his sword and other personal effects which will be very valuable to us as mementoes.
My heart sinks as I contemplate this sad desperation. We have made the most costly sacrifice that we could possibly offer on the altar of our country and if it is not sufficient we must perish.
How my heart bleeds as I call up past reminisces of our poor boy. I remember the first sound I ever heard issued from his mouth, poor little heed-less innocent babe.
If I have ever done wrong by him, if any thing, I trust I may be forgiven.
I leave at 5 o’clock in the morning for Baltimore and thence by the nearest route to the battlefield from whence I will write again if I can.
Yours affectionately, Isaac M. Fisher
Isaac Fisher to Mrs. Sarah Fisher
Isaac Fisher to Mrs. Sarah Fisher
Isaac Fisher to Mrs. Sarah Fisher
