Letter from John F. Rich
to Mrs. George H. Philbrook
Portland ME. May 15, 1863
Mrs. Geo. H. Philbrook.
Dear Madame
You have doubtless heard before now the melancholy news of your husband’s death and I intrude upon your sadness, only to express my sincere sympathy.
George was my friend and since he left Maine, I kept up correspondence with him; my last letter being mailed to him but two days before his death.
Today that letter comes back to me with a note from Sergt. McGregor of Co. G. 6th ME, who informed me that my letter came to hand after the battle at Fredericksburg and after George’s death.
He fell on Sunday, the 3d inst, while charging upon the Heights of Fredericksburg; being shot in the neck. When that noble life perished, not only his family, but a host of friends were saddened.
I have a favor to ask. It is that you will favor me at ____ with George’s picture.
And in closing, I can but assure you of my sympathy in this seemingly dark Providence. But while we mourn for him, he have left us the memory of his noble life, the proud satisfaction that he died in the grandest cause ever known and has entered in that life, whose happiness and progress are eternal.
Believe me, Madame
Your Obediant Servant
John F. Rich
Letter Courtesy of the John Brogan Collection - Elmhurst, IL