You can read all of this series of letters here: http://www.angelfire.com/ma4/j_mayo/9va/letters.html
Head Quarters Co. G 9th Va Infty
July 30th, 1864 Chesterfield Cty. Va.
To
Mrs M. F. Stephens
I this morning seat myself to inform you of the sad news of your Brother’s “Death” which I no doubt has reached you ere this does, the company and myself to you your mother [fold in letter obliterates one line] in this deep affection, he was a noble Soldier and much beloved by the company and all who know him, he fell on the 16th day of May in the Battle of Drewrys Bluff in a charge on the enemy concealed in a piece of woods behind a piece of works which they had thrown up during the night previous, Mr. James M. Bailey by his side of the same company both were instantly killed both struck about the same time and were not seen to move after falling, they were buried together on the field a distance of (7) seven miles from (this place) Richmond City. I do not know whether or not their remains have been removed yet, we have a lot in the Hollywood cemetery at Richmond for all the Portsmouth Soldiers to be interred in case their relatives in future times may wish their removal. The boys spoken of in your letters are very will, Alonzo Roane, Arthur Collins, Robert Rodman. Several of my company was wounded on the 16th some of them perhaps you man know. I will give the names James T. Stewart, Oney Edwards, Lyles Jobson, Virginius Denson, Columbus Johnson, Benjamin F. Grant, Johnson has since died and it is feared Grant will, the others are out of danger. No bundle has reached us yet as the bundle you spoke of in your letter has not reached the company I must now close, with much Respect I am
Very Respectfully
Your Obd Servt.
Nathaniel G.Gayle
2nd Lieut. Co “G” 9th Va Infantry
or Portsmouth Rifles