Madison Ga Oct. 6. 1863
Sir:
At the instance of Mrs E T Helm it becomes my painful duty to announce to you the death of General Ben. Hardin Helm -- your Brother-in-law-- And although opposed, as he was, to your forces, it will no doubt be a satisfaction to you to know that he fell at the head of his Brigade -- honorably battling for the cause he thought Just, and righteous-- he was leading his "Kentucky Brigade" to a charge, which was successful, and for daring and results is unprecedent in ancient or modern warfare -- even in this terrible war -- as the result, and fruits of that charge was the capture of not only a Battery, but a mass of artillery, at least 30 pieces, with very many prisoners -- and I know you can but admire him for his deeds, and will regret that he could not have survived the conflict, and shared in the glories of the victory--
Mrs Helm is crushed by the blow -- almost broken hearted -- and desires to return to her Mother and friends in Kentucky-- indeed, this is a necessity, as you must be aware that her means are very small and expences of living in the South much more than in the United States-- she is now at my home in this place -- and it will afford me pleasure to minister to her wants, and comfort so long as it may be agreeable for her to remain under my roof, mean time she asks that you order the war department to send her a pass to enter the Federal truce Boat at City Point -- and would suggest that you send triplicates, say, one to me here, one to care Col Wm Preston Johnston, Richmond, and one to Mrs Helm here, by different Boats--
Would also be obliged if you would send at the same time a pass for Mrs Bruce and her sister --, Mrs Hutchinson -- to accompany Mrs Helm, to Kentucky, their father having recently died leaving their Mother in a very desolate condition -- and thereby relieve the war of much of its stern rigor--
Mrs Helm desires to be affectionately remembered to her sister--
I have the honor to be, Sir--
Very Respectfully
Yr obt servt
E M Bruce