Sgt. David Gaston, 59th Tenn. who was paroled at Vicksburg with the sick and wounded July 15, died at Byram Miss. In a letter to his widow May (Polly) Gaston, Monroe Co., Tenn., Mrs. M. E. Jackson from Coopers Well on Sept. 12, 1863 wrote:
Dear Madam:
Hard as it may be for me to pen these few lines to you, it is best you should know. It is in relation to your husband. He is of this world no more. But let it be a comfort to you to know that he died believing in his God. He prayed to God that he might see his wife and children before he died. he said he was happy and ready to go. He was a paroled prisoner from Vicksburg and was on his way home, but being too ill to travel he stayed at my home in Byram. He was with us a week when he died on the 22nd of August at 6 o’clock p. m. We buried him in Bryam about 10 miles below Jackson, Mississippi. It may be gratifying to you to know that his last wants were attended to and every thing was done to prolong his life, but of no avail. Some letters & papers which he had and a piece of his hair I cut, and if I ever have the chance I will send to you. It is a sad office I have had to perform, but when you reflect how much better off he died than many a poor soldier on the battle field, with no one to give them a little water. I know you will be comforted.
Hopping Madame, that you will receive this.
I am yours respectfully,
Mrs. M. E. Jackson.
Should you feel disposed to write me a few lines. Direct them to the care of Mr. I. Williams, Coopers Well, Hinds County, Miss.“
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David Gaston, 41, 4th Sergeant, Company G, 59th Regiment Tennessee (Mounted) Infantry, enlisted March 12, 1862 at Madisonville, Tenn., captured, in hospital, Vicksburg, Miss. July 4, 1863, paroled, July 15, died August 22, 1863 at Coopers Well, Hind County, Miss.
NARA M268. Compiled service records of Confederate soldiers from Tennessee units