Solomon F. Bogart
Teamster (Wagon Driver), Company F, 3rd Tennessee Cavalry
Memphis Tenn April 30, 1865 [on U.S. Christian Commission stationary]
Mrs. M.J. Misemer
Dear Sister I embrace the present opportunity of writing you a few lines to let you know that I am well at present with the exception of a slight bruise on my hip which I received from the explosion of the Steamer which was blown up 12 miles above this place on the morning of the 27 of this month 2 oclo. there was 2300 persons on board and amoung the lost was H M Misemer [her husband Teamster Henry Marshall Misemer, Co. F, 3rd TN Cav.], Levi [her brother, Pvt. Levi Morrison Bogart, Co. K, 3rd TN Cav.] and Harrison [her brother, Pvt. Charles Harrison Bogart, Co. F, 3rd TN Cav.] and most of the neighbor boys. I did not See either of the boys after the alarm commensed. The names of all that was saved is in the papers and there is neither of their names there. I Jumped over board among countless numbers of drowning men and made my way to the bank after hard Swimming 8 or 9 miles. I hav ben a;; over this town in evry Hospital and neither of the boys is here they are all lost and their Remains to day lay in the bed of the Mississippi River. horid thought. De [probably Sergeant DeWitt E. Harris, Co. F, 3rd TN Cav.] made his escape and is unhurt. Martha excuse my Distracted letter. Tell Mary I am well and will be at home in a Short time. I remain you brother,
Solomon F Bogart [signed]
Death Oh forget me not
[On back of letter] Lost, Lost all is lost [1]
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[1] Solomon F. Bogart to Mrs. M.J. Misemer, April 30, 1865