Field camp before Petersbury VA
111th Reg. N.Y. Vols.
August 5, 1864

Mrs. Forbes
Dear Friend,

The enclosed letter came to the Regiment a day or two ago & I opened so as to learn your address. We have been trying to find out the address of the Parents of Donald M. Forbes but did not succeed until we got your letter. You may have received the news concerning your son before now. I hope you have. If not, it is my painful duty to inform you that Donald is no more. He went to the General Hospital with the wounded to serve as a nurse & there he sickened & died. His death was noticed in the paper & I believe officially reported to the Regiment. I do not know at what Hospital he died but I think I can find out. There were some things belonging to him which you ought to have. I think the paper in which his death was noticed said that he had some money & a watch with him. There is also his badge which is in the hands of one of our nurses. He will put it in this letter & send it o you. Any information that I can obtain concerning your son I shall be happy to send to you.

Yours Sincerely
J.N. Brown