My dear Mr. Holmes:

     I thank you for your letter of the 6th inst. It came to me last night by Milton [i.e., Pvt. Milton Holmes, Co. A, 30th North Carolina Infantry]. So full of the saddest and most afflicting intelligence! The news that my dear Annie Belle was dead came like a thunderbolt upon me—so sudden and unexpected. Somehow I had had no fear of any such sorrowful event—she was so truthful and obedient and intelligent—a God's blessing to all who loved her. I was wicked enough to think, as I search my mind now, that a child as true in heart and beautiful in character, as she was, could not die. Sister's last letter, dated December 31st, 1862, had relieved me of all anxiety. Hence you may infer how crushing was the blow of this sudden change. Thank God! She has gone at an age, when the great hereafter could have no terrors for her. In this knowledge, if in nothing else, there is a sweet consolation. I shall love to think of our own dear Annie Belle as an Angel in Heaven.
I thank you for your kind offer to attend to my business.
My love to all—I have no heart to write more now.
May God send you all consolation!

Yours affectionately,
W. W. Sillers.