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Soldier's Letter II
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Twelve days later, possibly as the letter
from Solomon Boss was being read
by Mrs. Boss on the couple’s small farm at Cooper heights,
Georgia, 20 miles south of Chattanooga, C.C. Boss died in a
skirmish between Confederate and Union forces near Sweetwater.
During the War Between States, the commanding officer of those paying the supreme sacrifice would write a consoling letter to the next of kin. The following is the letter Mrs. Boss received from her husband’s commanding officer: Hd. O 6 th GA. Cavalry Mrs. Emily Boss: It is my melancholy duty to inform you of the death of your husband Mr. Solomon Boss, who was killed by a shell on the 20th last, at the fight at Philadelphia Monroe Co. Tenn. We had your husband buried as decently as circumstances would permit, and we know the spot where he now lies. If I could offer you a word of consolation I would now do so. Your husband was a good and kind hearted man, and had the esteem of the whole company, both the officers and the men. You no doubt feel deeply his loss, but you should remember that your loss is his eternal gain, for I believe he was a Christian. I was glad to know he was a Baptist the same faith to which I hold. I know your heart will bleed for our husband but let me say to you, it is the lot of man to die and we have this consolation, when our friends die and go to rest, we can not bring them back again, but we can go to them. Let me encourage you to press for the mark of the prize of the High Calling as it is in Christ Jesus. He had $70.15 in his pocket, I also ad his saddle bags and clothes sold at auction because we could not carry them, which brought $17.95 making in all $88.10 which I have now in my possession subject to your orders or I will send it to you by the first chance. I have made no disposition of his horse yet, I will have him cared for and send him to you as soon as I can, or you can send and get him. There will be some more money due you the amount of which I don’t know. I do not know you personally but be assured of one thing, you have my warmest sympathy for the loss of your husband. Hoping the Lord will smile upon you and your children. Your true friend. Lieut. H. W. Dean P.S. He had a small pistol which he lost. Lieut. H. W. Dean
Send Mrs. Singleterry’s letter to her which you will find enclosed within. H. W. D. A note from the family: We would like to know if you know where we might find
the grave location of S.S. Boss (From GA) who was killed
during the skirmish at Philadelphia TN in October 1863.?
We would like to write to Washington and have a Civil War
marker placed on his grave. While the letter above
says that his commanding officer knew where S.S. Boss was
buried, we do not. Any help in locating this grave
would be greatly appreciated. Please email
us if you
have any information that might help us in our search. Thank
you!
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