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Camp 4th Vt. Infy. Aug. 3 1864.
Friend Rhoas B. Stevens
Your communication relative to the death of your much beloved and Respected son - William B. Stevens, came to hand a few days since but oweing to constant marches here in Maryland I have not had time to answer it. Three times I have attempted to write you and each time, before I had finished my letter the order come to move.
Two or three days previous to receiving your letter I saw the death of Friend William, in a Vermont newspaper. I can assure you that the news was sad and unexpected to us all. We had not the least idea that his wound would prove as it has. Both William and the Surgeons told me that his was a slight flesh wound: I went to the Regimental Hospital to see him - He told me that he should be back to the Regiment in three weeks. His wa a disposition that would always look upon the sunny side of everything: Did he write home? I offered to write home for him but he said no he was able to write and it would be good pastime for him. When we parted he promised to write me just as soon as he reached a Hospital. William had many friends in the Regiment, Brigade & Division and all of us are sharing this affliction with you, though of course ours cannot be a Mothers sorrow: -
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Since our long confinement and suffering in Richmond's gloomy prisons William and I had been warm friends: - We had arranged a visit to Montpelier this fall, but how suddenly friends are parted.
Let us hope to meet in a better world where there is no cruel wicked war to snatch from us the best and [Su?] of our friends.
Regarding Williams things. He had only a very few here - They consisted of 1 Pair Pants, 2 Shirts, 1 Pair socks a little Paper & envelopes - a few letters which he had received: His trunk containing his Ines coat vest & many other things was left in Washington: I helped him to bring it from Annapolis Md. to Washington. He left it somewhere on "E" Street but I am sure I do not know where: I will do all I can to find where it is: Perhaps Capt. Gault or Sgt. Hatch may know. I will see them.
The things which he left here I have put into my valise and will keep them safely untill I come home (20th Sept.) or will send them to you before if you wish: Rest assured that any thing which I can do for you I shall be happy to for you sake and for the Respect & friendship I alway had for William. Be assured that the sympathy of the Regt. is with you in this time of your great grief.
In haste
Very Respectfully
His & Your friend
H. W. Spafford Commissary 4th Vt. Infy.
R. B. Stevens E. Montpelier Vt.
