Evening Republican, Volume 21, Number 264, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 9 November 1918 — SERGEANT DAVID I. BURNS. [ARTICLE]

SERGEANT DAVID I. BURNS.

The following is a copy of a letter written 'by Captain C. C. Bassett, of the 137th Field Artillery, which is a part of the 38th Division that left Camp Mills sometime ago. The letter is written w Mrs. David I. Burns, wife erf the late Sergeant David I. Burns:’ On Board, Oct 11, 1918. Mrs. David I. Burns, Rensselaer, Ind. * My Dear Mrs. Burns:— I am sure that before this letter reaches you, you will have received, official notification from the government of David’s death on board ship, en route “over there.” I have just now returned from the very beautiful and impressive services which were held on board ship as we buried him in the wondrous grave of the ocean. All the flags of the convdys are now flying at half mast for the loss of a brave soldier.

Dave died of an Endocarditis caused by an embolus, the origin of the embolism was not determined. Any physician will explain to you what these terms mean and how hopeless of recovery the case would have been at home or anywhere else. In fact, you have my assurance that everything was done for him which could bt* done, out sad to state in this condition that is practically nothing. It wiH, I know, assuage your sorrow to know that he did not suffer. He was not feeling well before we left New York, so I am told, but insisted that he was all right and was going with the “bunch.” Seemed improved for a day er two on the boat, then became suddenly worse as they do in such cases and died this morning, Oct. 11,'at 7:30 a. m., and was buried with full military honore at 4p. m. “He died in l ; ne of duty and is as much a hero as though he had lost his life in line in the battlefield. I know you will have a solemn pride in which I share. His battery aS much broken up over his loss, and while I know you wiU gneve over your own loss and sacrifice to We great cause, you know he would not have you feel sorry for him. Hib ring and other small articles which can be sent, I will send to you as soon aS we land. With most heartfelt sympathy, Sincerely, iLuiiiTn ' C. C. BASSETT. Captain 137 P. A. Via New York, A. E. F. P. S.—l have the latitude and tongitude of the place of burial, but cannot give them to you until *ftov the declaration of peace, as it would reveal the ship’s course.

C. C. BASSETT.