He was present when General Jackson was mortally wounded, and he seems to have been deeply affected by it.

He writes that the Confederacy could better have lost a hundred thousand men." There was more in the letter, but it was strictly personal to Dick, and it closed with her heartfelt prayer that God, who had led him safely so far, would lead him safely through all.
After reading it several times he put it in a hidden pocket.

Soldiers did not receive many letters and they always treasured them.

Ah, his dear, beautiful young mother! How could anyone ever harm her! Yet the thought of Skelly and his outlaws made him uneasy.

He hoped that the Union garrison would remain in Pendleton permanently.
His mind was soon compelled to turn back to the siege.