On This Day 160 Years Ago

I spotted this grave marker on my morning stroll, today July 11, 2024- Crow’s Feet Prompt #50

It just so happens to be July 11, 160 years after this boy’s death. I have lived almost four times longer than this young man. There is no date of birth, nor explanation of his passing.

In 1864, with the Civil War raging, new recruits in the Connecticut 29th regiment were sent to New Haven to train for the Civil War.

Was Luther one? At 16, it was highly likely.

We have this from another recruit as they left in March to fight further south:

“White and colored ladies and gentlemen grasped me by the hand, with tears streaming down their cheeks…expressing the hope that we might have a safe return.” — Soldier J.J. Hill

If Luther marched in that parade, unfortunately, he was not spared in the Battle for Richmond, which cost thousands of lives and lasted from June 1864 until April 1865.

What about Caroline and Daniel? They waited at home, presumably. Or not. Had they buried their son, wouldn’t the date of his birth be on the stone?

All of it is tragic.

I ask myself, “Was that the purpose of Luther’s life?”

Perhaps he died of disease. In 1864, malaria, typhoid, dysentery, and pneumonia were common and fatal. We will never know what killed this teenager. At our age, we know people who have survived cancer, a malady that went undiagnosed in 1864.

We have come a long way.

The only lesson I can draw is gratitude for my own life; For many more years on this earth than Luther imagined, and for children older than Luther who never have to fear malaria, typhoid, and dysentery.

And for this day, when I can stroll around the cemetery and remember how short life truly is.

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