Ordnance Office Lynchburg, VA 6th October 1863

My dear uncle- It becomes my painful duty to inform you, and my dear Aunt, that I have received information through a letter to Mrs. Dr. Warren, from a friend in Baltimore, that according to Lieut. Warren's statement, Jimmy was killed instantly on the 3rd day's fight at Gettysburg. Warren says that he was killed near him and that he was shot in the forehead and expired immediately. I fear there can be no mistake about it, as Warren lay wounded on the field for three days and makes the statement without any qualification. I saw Douglas Gordon last night who told me that his sister Mrs. Thomas of Baltimore had found out from a soldier in the Hospital there, where Jimmy's grave was, and and that he was awaiting an opportunity to inform you of the fact.

I was entirely confident from what Genl. Lee's Surgeon said, that Jimmy was still alive and was confirmed in that opinion by the statement in your letter that Mr. Newton made you, as to his being sent to Sandusky. I need scarcely state how painful it is to me to give up hopes founded on these statements. Dr. Warren wrote you a few days ago, repeating, I believe, the very words in the letter announcing to Mrs. Warren that Jimmy was instantly killed; to which letter I have referenced in the beginning of this.

Capt. Stockton Heth (son of Jacob Heth) saw Jimmy a few moments before he heard that he was killed, and had a few moments conversation with him, in the midst of the lead and iron hail, and that Jimmy remarked to him in words to this effect "we do not know which of us will be the next to fall" and dashed on with his command with that cool courage for which he was so remarkable; and in a few moments was killed dead on the field. I have rarely seen the exhibition of more affection among relatives, than Jimmy inspired the Warrens with. His heroism and courage is the constant theme of their conversation as well as his beautiful traits of character in private life.

May God Almighty temper this sore affliction to your wounded hearts for the Redeemer's sake.

Thank God mine are all still preserved to me. Richard wrote me last on 22nd September and was safe up to that time. I heard from the rest in Amelia this morning they are all well, thank God. I saw a letter from cousin Lew Byrd a day or two ago. She writes with bright Christian cheerfulness--says Dr. Byrd is recovering from a most alarming illness he has lately suffered--that they have seven servants left, and that they are suffering for nothing. Will you give cousin Liz this intelligence about her sister. Give my love to Aunt Rebecca and all the family, Your affectionate nephew F. Lewis Marshall

Written from Lynchburg, Virginia. Letter confirms and gives details of the death of James K. Marshall, VMI Class of 1860, who was killed in the Battle of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania.