Grayson County Genealogy Trails

Letter written to William Henry Goff (father of Isaac Jackson Goff) concerning his son's death

Transcribed from copy of original letter by Cathy Schultz

Matagander Bay Texas [sic]

July 22nd 1865

Mr Goff

Sir

it is with profound sorrow that I have to announce to you the death of your Son Jackson Goff a Private of Company H 21st Regt Ky V V Infty. He died the 20th of July between the hours of 8 & 9 Oclock a.m. of Bilious fever and was burried at 2 Oclock P.M. he had been sick about one week and all energy and care was used that could be to save his life but all failed. We burried him as neatly as posible his grave is about four hundred yads South of the East Side of the Matagauder Bay. the grave is marked with a head and foot Board with his name Co. & Regt the marks will last for several years. he had in his possession at the time of his death one pocket Book containing one note given by Robt F. Lock 1" Sergt of Co H. Calling for one hundred dollars note dated June 10th 1865. the note is good and can be collected on the first payday I don't think you needbe uneasy about the note for he will pay the amount when called for by your self. and the Pocket Book contained a note on Benjamin Fansler formerly first-Leutenant of Co "H." Calling for Four hundred and forty dollars. Note dated from Nov. 16th 1864. Fansler resigned his Office the 1st of May, 65 and went home. he lives near Glasgow Barren County Ky. My advice to you conserning his note would be to bring Souit against him at the earliest convenience or you may fail to get the money I saw a leter from him a few days ago that states he would get his Pay from Jan 6/65 to May1st/65 which if he does would be enough to take in the note. from what I have learnt of him he hasnt any property of any kind. your son hadent any money in his Possession at the time of his death. I will hold the Pocek Book and its contents in my possession untill you give me directions what to do with them. or call for them. Enclosed you will find a Slip of paper with the names of the men of Co "H." who saw your son when he loaned the money to Fansler. any other information that I can furnish you will be done at your request with plesure

I am Sir Very Respectfully & xc (?)

Daniel R Gray

Captain Comdy Co "H"

21st Ky V.V.I.