1861 September 14

My dear Edward,
I have the most
melancholy news tidings to
communicate. Our friend
Col. John A. Washington yes-
terday met his death by the
fire from the enemy’s picket.
He accompanied my son
Fitshugh [sic] on a reconnoitering
expedition & I fear was car-
ried too far by his zeal
for the cause of the south
which he had so much at
heart. Before they were
aware they were fired
upon by a concealed party
who fired about 40 shots at
four men. He was the only
person struck and fell dead
from his horse. Three bul-

[p.2]
lets went through Fitzhugh’s horse. The horse of
one of the men was killed. F. mounted Col. W’s horse
and brought off his sword. The spot where the
Col fell was in range of the enemy’s cannon – I
rec-d his body through the courtesy of the Com-
manding Genrl of the troops under a flag of truce
this morning & now forward it to Manassas
Junction where I hope you will meet it & have
it interred as his family desire.
His death is a grevious affliction to me, but
what must it be to his bereaved children
and distressed relatives. The country has
met with a great loss in his death. Our
enemy’s have stamped their attack upon
our rights, with additional infamy & by kil-
ling the lineal descendant and representa-
tive of him who under the guidance of Al-
mighty God established them & by his virtues ren-
dered our Republic immortal. I enclose a
note for his daughter. May God have mercy
on them all.
Truly & affty yours.
R. E. Lee –

Edward C. Turner

[see posting of September 13 from the diary of Wesley Hammond]