"Brooklyn Aug 20. There is a squad of men here from the 48th Reg — sent to take charge of the conscripts, detailed to fill up the Reg which has been removed to St Augustine. One of them, John Morgan [i.e., Pvt. James Morgan, Co. A, 48th New York Infantry] called on me yesterday, & told me he was but a few feet from Robert when he fell, & he saw it all. He says they had reached the top of the parapet when the color Sergeant received a shot in the wrist, & the color dropped from his hand. Robert siezed the standard & elevated it, when he received a ball in his breast & fell backward into the water,

that if he had not taken up the Standard, he would not at that time have fallen!! This is the most hazardous place & post in battle, more standard bearers are shot than any other class, & none but a hero fearless of death would sieze & elevate a prostrate flag. Robert's place in march was directly behind the standard, he knew his nearness to it. I am more proud of him than ever (said M^r Forbes to me) he has died a noble death for his country, & his blood will not be lost. So speaks every one who knew him.