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The following letter was sent to the VETERAN by Miss Julia W. Fletcher, former President of the Washington State Division, U. D. C., to whom it was sent by the daughter of Capt. Peter Critz, now Mrs. Charles Ricahrdson, as a part of her U. D. C. credentials. Mrs. Richardson lost a son, Capt, Peter Richardson, while serving in France. This letter gives the record of a gallant soldier:

"Tupelo Station, Miss., January, 15, 1865.

"Mr. A. Critz-Sir: It is with much regret that I seat myself this afternoon to announce to you the death of your son, Peter L. Critz. He was killed at Franklin, Tenn., while charging the enemy's works. We had taken one line of works and were fighting with bayonets the second line, and Peter was on top of the works when he was shot. He had in his pocket a very fine pipe with his name engraved on it which he said he was saving for his father. He was shot through the pipe, through the heart, and through the neck, and never did a more gallant officer fall by the ruthless hand of the invader.

"Peter was in command of our company when killed. We lost all of our company there except myself and James Reynolds. Reynolds lost his right arm, and I was wounded in the left leg by two balls. I am now almost well. We all feel at a loss without Peter. We had elected him captain of our company. He has left a great many friends in the regiment to mourn their loss. None of his things were saved on account of his company being there to see it. One of the infirmary corps told me that he buried Peter and Mrs. Koemegay's son together and that they were buried decently. We lost a great many good men there. Our brigade now numbers only one hundred and fifteen men. We went into the fight with five hundred men.

I would have written sooner, but this is the first opportunity I have had of getting a letter off. I will now close.

"Yours most respectfully,

R. G. Phillips,

Co. B, 24th Mississippi Regt., Brantley's Brigade."