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It looks dark ahead with Hemingway for Col. I know nothing of Woodman save from heresay These are however I think our only alternatives unless the Gov should appoint a man on his own responsibility. What do you think of it? Our sick are increasing as is the case to a greater extent perhaps [inserted] in every other company Daniel Hibbert and Cpl A.G.Kimball are in the Regt Hospital sick of Slow Fever Heal, and Pendleton are both recovering rapidly but Athearn's soldiering is over for this world. He can by no probability live till morning. I was in to see him an hour or two since but he was out of his sences and speechless. I went up to Beaufort day before yesterday and returned this morning when I left he was not considered dangerous. A few days ago he was so far recovered as to desire the doctors to send him back to the company The cause is relapse of Typhoid fever Whatever the man may have been he is now a patriot and dies in this cause of his country There being no holier cause nor a more glorious death no one of his acquainttances is too high or too good to revere his memory. "A dog that dies [inserted] is discharged" [following written in left margin] Aug 4th This letter was written last night. I break it open this morning to inform you that Athearn died last night

[Note: Ezekiel Hinckley Athearn (1823 – 1863) was the father of eight daughters and one son. He had been a resident of Hope, ME as had the letter writer, Lore Alford and recipient, Edward A. True.]