Transcription of a letter about Edmund Dawes from an unknown sender:
“Edmund Dawes born in Alexandria Ohio Aug. 5 1839
As a boy he was unusually truthful and conscientious. He was kind and affectionate in the family circle. His early life and vacations were spent on the farm removing with his parents to Ripon Wis. in 1834. Fitting himself for college at Ripon entered college at Beloit passing through the Freshman year. Entered the sophomore year. A bronchial affection [sic] decided him not to continue the college cause. He commenced the study of medicine, one more course of lectures would have finished his profession but at this time the call of his country for men to go into the Army and he enlisted a a private Aug 16th 1862 in Co H 20th Wis.
The company to a man voted for him for 2nd Lieut not knowing that the appointments were already made. He was made 4th Sergeant soon. Promoted to 1st Sergeant. The chaplin wrote -(what almost no man is more popular than himself in his company. He was a devoted Christian in the Army as well as at home.) From sickness brought on by exposure while on detail duty he was confined to the hospital for a short time. Joining his reg. just in time to participate in the forced march to Prairie Grove and engage in the battle of Dec 7th 1862 in which he was killed receiving a bullet through the head and and one through the heart. He lies buried on the battle field with thirty others of his reg. who fell in the same charge.”
