Click here for this soldier’s biography:
https://micivilwar.com/authors/painter-william/
Regiment: 22nd Michigan Infantry
Battles Mentioned:
Historical Figures:
Field Hospital, Chattanooga, Tenn
October 11th, 1863
Mrs Painter
When you qave your husband to enlist as a Soldier of the
United States, you then made a great Sacrifice, but you had hope
that he would again return. I am fearful from all appearances
of the wound he has recieved that he will not recover. It
became necessary for one of his legs to be Amputated below the
knee. Since which time the limb has become gangreenous.
Although his Surgeons are skilful men , yet I have my doubts
whether they will be able to avert it. All is being done that
can be for him. His Surgeons are faithful in the performance of
all their duties and I have every reason to believe them to be
Christian Gentlemen.
He is very much concerned about the Salvation of his Soul.
At his request, and that of the Surgeons, I visited him to day
and engaged with him in religious Services. He requested me to
pray for him and this afternoon in the presence of the Surgeons,
Hospital Stewart and several others, I adminstered the Sacred
Ordinasce of Baptism. He was baptized in the name of the Father
and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost. He is now better
reconciled to die, should it be the will of the Lord to call him
from time to eternity.
I would say to you love the Lord Jesus Christ with your
whole heart and all will be well with you in time and in
eternity.
The ways of the Almighty are indeed inservitible unto us
short sighted creatures. God does not afflict willingly, and
whilst he suffers afflictions to come upon us, He has promised
that all things shall work together for our good.
Commit your all into the Hands of the Almighty, for he
careth for all those who trust in Him. His children are engrown
upon the palms of His hands, and He will with-hold no good thing
from them that walk uprightly.
May the blessings of God rest upon you and your family.
You have the Sympathy of all the members of his regiment
Your Friend
L L Drake Chaplain
Reserve Corps
