LETTER FROM THE WAR: >From the Union News, April 2, 1863 (Town of Union, Broome County, NY) --By request of an old friend and subscriber, we publish the following private letter from a soldier in the 109th Regiment N. Y. S. V. (Owego, NY) Laurel, Md., March 16, �63 Dear Father & Friends, --With trembling hand and aching heart, I seat myself to answer your letter, which I received tonight, bringing the sad news of the death of one of the dearest friends. Although not much unexpected, it is a very severe blow on me, as there is no one here to sympathize with me in this my time of trouble. You said in our last, that the next letter that I got would be a solemn to me, and as you said, it is a solemn one, for when I realize and think that the sweet voice that has so often given me instruction, is forever hushed in death, and that we never can behold her face again, it seems as though my heart would break. And again, when I think how lonesome you will be, the tears fill my eyes to overflowing. That awful cough that we have heard is heard no more. Her sufferings are over, and we trust that she is at rest. Oh, father, do not blame me because I did not come home to see her; I done all that I could do to come, but my attempts were useless. Why was it that she called for me in her last hours? Did she think that I was there? Oh, what a consolation it would have been if I could have been there to receive her dying blessing, and bid her a long farewell. But alas! she is gone, and we must try to live so that we can meet her in that upper and better land, where the troubles of this world can never come. The family circle is broken and a home is made desolate, by the loss of a mother and a dear companion. How impossible it does seem that she is gone--how lonesome it must be when you sit down at evening--her voice is not heard around the circle, and again, when you sit down at the table, her place is left vacant. Alas! she is missed in every place you can mention. You say that you get no letters from me; it is not because I have not written any, for I have answered every one I have received. There is nothing going on here worth writing about, so I will close by wishing you well, and that in your lonely position, you may find peace and consolation in submitting to Him who doeth all things well. Father, write as soon as you get this and tell me what you calculations is about home. Tell George and Phebe to write, and also tell Charles and Caroline to write, and let me know what their calculations is. I understand that they are going to move on. This is from your lonely and sorrowful son. (signed) J. E. Hills This letter was written by John E. Hills to his father, Asel B. Hills, upon learning of the death of his mother, Sally Randall Hills. Sally Hills died in South Owego, NY on March 10, 1863 of consumption. John E. Hills was killed in the Civil War in Virginia on May 14, 1864. His 23rd birthday would have been on May 25th. Note: I am a descendant of Abner Hills, a brother of John E. Hills. I would like to hear from anyone who is researching this Hills family. Will exchange information. Betty Short Brackney, PA BettyShort@aol.com