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                          Baltimore July 24th

Jn M. Patton Esq

    My dear Sir
             It is my sad duty to

inform you of the death of Col W. Y. Patton of the 7th Va Infantry. He died at 11 o'clock on the morning of the 21st instant at the College Hospital near Gettysburg. On the 17th I first heard that he was wounded and was with him on the 18th and until his death. I have written fully [?] of what [?] on the 18th and 19th and being limited in space cannot now repeat. He was aware of the approach of death and met it as becomes a soldier and a christian. He repeated often the words In Christ Alone" "Perfectly resigned Perfectly resigned." He spoke with great difficulty but I could understand him as repeating the first line of the hymn "Rock of ages cleft for me" I read this hymn to him, and he repeated it after me. He was attended by Mr. Morton Chaplain of the 23rd Va and called for the 14 chapter of Saint John which was read to him. From loss of blood he was very weak but his sufferings were comparatively light. During the last twelve hours of his life he was nearly unconscious but I observed his hands often clasped as if in prayer. From Miss [McRice?] and Mrs [Grogan?] of Baltimore who were nurses in the hospital as well as from Lieut Bailey of the 7th of Orange C.H. he recd every kindness the most devoted attention and much kindness from several Federal officers who were stationed near the Hospital. He often requested that his body might be sent home. I had it embalmed and deposited in the John J. Gettings vault in Green Mount Cemetery. Under the circumstances it was deemed best not to allow the numerous friends of his family to be present at the fune ral. My uncle, Aunt and two cousins were present. The burial service was read by the Revd Mr. Simpson. Chaplain Morton of the 23rd Va will pass through within two weeks and will endeavor to carry the body through. I will make every endeavor to get a permit. He was clothed in his uniform. I have his two rings, pipe & and a lock of his hair for his mother. Doctor Oliver of the 7th has his watch which is for Eliza after paying his just debts he wishes all else to go to his mother.

               Yours sincerely
                    Isaac W. Smith