Mrs. M.M.J. Cherry: Camden., Arkansas May 7th, 1864 Dear Madam: Painful indeed is the task for which I take up my pen this morning that of telling you that your husband is no more among the living, Mr. Cherry fell in the battle of the Saline on the 30th of April. I know this will be dreadful news to you and will convulse your widowed heart with the most violent grief. But you must bow in humble submission to the will of him who doath all things for the best and seek consolation from him who said "Blessed are they that mourn., for they shall be comforted." Believe me I deeply sympathize with you in this terrible -blow and offer you sincere condolence of my heart and humbly and reverently pray to Almighty God to give you strength to bear this severe disposition of his providence. Put your trust in him and see consolation and help from Him. Your husband fell while gallantly charging the enemy, and you have the satisfaction of knowing that he fell while discharging his duty as a soldier. The ball struck him in the right temple and went out the other. He was killed instantly and never spoke after he was struck, Mr. Nichols took his things out of his pockets and took care of them. His clothes will be sent to you if we have the opportunity of doing so. On the next morning Mr. Fish, Ponder, Simmons and myself went to the battlefield, carried him off to a good place and buried him as decently as we possibly could and marked his grave, He is buried on the bank of Cox's Creek about two miles from Jenkins Ferry on the Saline river on the Princeton road. There were four others wounded in the company, J. C. Newton, W. L. Thompson, W. R. Owen, and J. H. Donaldson. The loss of our Reg. is 43 killed and wounded, our victory is full and complete but cost us dearly, J. H. Bibb was not in the fight. He is driving a team in the general (provision) train. He is well and hearty. Please say to my wife that I am well and doing well. I will send a letter to her in a few days. I think our command will be on the Ark. river less than a month. Please accept my best respects and sincerest sympathy. Believe me, Your sincere friend and well wisher. Q. V. Stephens.