Mr. Sunderland Dear sir: It becomes my faithful duty to inform you

In the field
May 15th 1864
Mr. Sunderland
Dear sir:
It becomes my faithful duty to inform you of the death of your son Darwin[.] he was killed in action on the 13th inst. he was in  the act of laying down[.] the ball struck him in the right shoulder near the neck passing down into his body. He was killed instantly. after the Battle I had him burried as decently as we could. His comrades took their Bayonets and with tin plates we dug Him a rude grave. I had a tree marked so that should you desire in some future time to have his remains taken Home they can be found.  Darwin was a good and faithful boy always ready to do his duty.  My Friends[,] I can appriciate your feelings when the sad news reaches you but we have the happy consulation to know that when we have done with the Battles of this life we will meet our loved ones in Heaven.  May that kind Lad be your support in this hour of your sad affliction
Darwin had a jacket book with Five Dollars and forty cents in it. He also had twenty postage stamps and two finger rings and a memorandum book in the front of which was written the following. [“]To any person if I should be shot or killed in action I wish to have what private property that is about my person sent to my Friends at Home especialy the rings on my little finger on the left hand. they will be sent to the Adress of Albert Sunderland Rensselar Falls St Law Co  N.Y.
[“]You will ablige my Mother by so doing[.”]
The above named property is in my possesion. I will send to you as soon as I get a chance to do so any other information that I can give will be kindly done[.]
I send this in a letter to my Wife who will mail it at Ogdensburgh for you[.]
I am Respectful[.]
Yours Peter Robertson
Capt Co C 106 N. Y. V.
To
Albert Sunderland Esq