http://www.stategensites.com/bitsofblueandgray/jul2000.asp The above is a link to a story: A Nasty Little Incident of War Southeast Missouri - 1864 By Frank Crawford It begins with a poignant letter from a soldier, Asa V. Ladd, from Stoddard County [Company A - 4th Missouri Cavalry]... --------------------- Dear Wife and children I take my pen in hand to inform you that I am about to be shot between two and four o'clock this evening. I have but four hours to remain in this unfriendly world. Six of us are sentenced to die in place of six Union soldiers who were shot by Reeve's men. ... ---------------------- I am very curious to know what became of his widow and their children. Thanks, Linda