The Last Letter of Samuel Bond
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The following is the last letter written by young Bond, who was killed at the battle of Bull’s Run. It will be read with interest:
Dear Sir: – Your kind letter came duly to hand. As to my desiring another specimen, if it is not repeated I shall feel very much disappointed. To receive a letter from a friend, especially one that is in every way worthy of our friendship, serves in a great measure to lighten our spirits and to inspire us with greater vigor to press on in a cause that is sanctioned by good and true men, and I trust by a God that is the God of Battle as well as of peace. * * * By the time you receive this, perhaps I shall be on my way to Richmond or Manassas Gap. We go to-morrow. I suppose we will act as skirmishers. We will act our part bravely, and try and bring no disgrace to Newburgh. Give my love to all, and keep a share yourself.
From your friend,
Samuel Bond
Co. I, 71st Regt. N. Y. S. M.
Capt. S. T. Harvey
Newburgh (NY) Daily News, 7/26/1861
Contributed by John Hennessy
Harry Smeltzer
Bull Runnings 
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