The following feeling and well deserved tributes to the memory of Jaob Horace Seely, a brave and noble soldier, written by W. S. H. Baylor, Major of the 5th Virginia Regiment, and James H. Waters, Captain of the West Augusta Guards, will cause a thrill of sorrow to fill the hearts of all who knew the deceased:
Manassas, July 22d, 1861.
My Dear Mrs. Seely: – Your dead son reaches you to-day, and I feel it my duty to speak a word of comfort to you. Poor Joab fell nobly in advance of his companions, gallantly charging upon the enemy. His course during the fight was that of a hero. He fought bravely – died nobly. Do not mourn his loss too much, God has taken him to his home. You know how good a boy he was; as he lived so he died. God will raise you up friends to fill his place, and I pray He will comfort you in your bereavement.
Your noble boy is dead, but be it your consolation that he died fighting for liberty – a martyr to the glorious cause.
Your friend,
W. S. H. BAYLOR.
P. S. – But a few moments before Joab fell, he said to his friend, Mr. Joseph N. Ryan, who was fighting by his side – “I am prepared to die – I expect to die – if I do and you live, tell my Mother I died fighting bravely.” These are glorious words for a dying soldier to use.
W. S. H. B.
Staunton (VA) Spectator, 8/20/1861
Harry Smeltzer
Bull Runnings 
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