Jim,

You will note on the Gerdes Civil War Page that Jacob died in camp near the Poteau River on August 20, 1863. Authorities had assigned the 26th to garrison duty at Fort Smith, (which caused them to miss the Battle of Helena and the fall of Little Rock), and it was while on this duty that Jacob died. The following is a letter to his wife, written by his brother John C. Sparks, who was present.

"Camp Prince, Aug 30, 1863

Dear Sister: With a heavy heart I take my pen in hand to inform you
of the lamentable death of your husband which occured on the 20th of
this instant. He, Carter and Garner went to the creek after water, and when they had got the water they went off a few steps to the shade
and was lying down, Carter and Garner said they didn't know whether
thay all went to sleep or not. When they were awakened by the tree falling. it was a dead oak and it struck in the top of the sycamore
that they were lying under, brother Jacob had run 5 or 6 steps from
where he was lying when Garner went back. He found a limb on him
nearly foot through and took it off of him and he never breathed or struggled. It also hurt Carters arm pretty badly but did'nt break
it, we got a good strong coffin and buried him as decent as we could
on the bank of the Porto (Poteau) River near where we are camping 10 miles
south of Fort Smith. The grave is on the east side of the river at
what is called the upper ford about 20 steps from the banks under a burdock tree about 10 inches through, and a large field on the left
of the road as you eye from Fort Smith. The grave is on the left
between the corner of the fence and the ford of the river. His name
is cut on a stone and stands up at the head of the grave close to the tree. I didn't tell you where the limb fell on him. It struck him across from the left hip to the right shoulder. I thought I would describe the place so that if you wanted to send after him that you
could find the place. I will send his clothes and money by first
safe chance that I have. He had 100 dollars in Confederate and 2 1/2
in gold and 90 cents in silver. I am the worst lost that I ever was
in my life. It appears like every friend that I ever had is gone but that is only what we all owe our maker and we should not grieve, but
we can't help it when our relations and friends fall around. I want
you to write me as soon as you get this so that I will know whether
you get this or not. I can't give you any news at present.

Yours truly,

J.C. Sparks to Cinthia Sparks and family."