from The Webster Weekly Times, 19 July 1862 (Volume 4 #19), contributed by Mike Branniff
Death of a Webster Volunteer

Died--- At Rollan Mills, Va., near Harrison Landing, on the morning of the 7th inst. of sun stroke. Elisha F. Bigelow, of Webster Mass, aged 18 years. A true soldier and lover of his country.

Such was the simple but touching announcement, contained in a letter recently received from one of the comrades of the deceased, of the death of a young man who early enlisted in the service of his country from this town. Although not personally acquainted with the deceased, we judge from the representations of those who knew him most intimately that he was an ardent and enthusiastic patriot, and one that was ready to answer to the demands of his country, at home or on the battlefield.

Although he escaped death directly by the hands of the rebels, and passed safely the ordeal of the most terrible engagements on record , it was but to die almost in sight of the battlefield . His constitution was not sufficient to withstand the severe exhaustion of a fatiguing retreat, over a toilsome route, and under the rays of a burning sun, and he sank down bewildered, to find rest from his labors in the grave. Peace to the ashes of the young patriot, and honor to his memory.

Lucius H. Briggs, one of the comrades of the deceased, in Company I , thus alludes to the death of young Bigelow in a letter received by us a few days since:

Near Harrisons Landing Virginia July 7th , 1862
It pains me to inform you of the death of one of our earliest and best esteemed members, Elisha F. Bigelow, which occurred early this morning, and was occasioned by sun stroke during our late retreat . I am proud to state that he was a soldier who understood his duty , and who performed it when required with a will ; and although not killed in battle he was never missing. He died with all the zeal of a true soldier, and with the assurance that he would be received in the other world , by the Great Commander , with outstretched arms and open heart. Please inform his friends of his death , if they have not already learned of it ;and state to them that he is greatly lamented by his comrades , who all heartily sympathize with the dear ones at home in their bereavement.
L. H. Briggs

Since the above was received, a letter has been handed us from P. M. George, also a member of company I which we copy entire, as it details many interesting facts connected with the death and burial of the young man alluded to. The letter was addressed to the mother of the deceased :

Near Harrisons Landing Va. July10, 1862
I suppose that before this you have heard of the death of your son, Elisha, as Corporal Blasland wrote on the 8th inst. to Mrs. Bartlett (a sister, Arvilla) also to Charles ( a brother ), informing them of his death. He died on the morning of the 7th at 2 o’ clock . The cause of his death was sunstroke and exhaustion. I think it was on the morning of the 1st inst. that he was first obliged to leave the ranks by reason of sickness.

The day before we fought the battle of White Oak Swamp . At the time the engagement commenced our regiment was some distance from the field of action, and consequently we had to come up at doublequick. It was a very hot day. We marched all that night, halted next morning, and slept awhile , after which we marched out, and formed in line of battle. It was here that Elisha remained back, sick with headache and exhaustion. We did not see him again for two days--- I think --- before he died. He had wandered around, among scores of regiments, trying to find his own, walking back and forth a number of miles through the heat and mud.

All the Company feel very bad about his death; for all , both officers and men, thought much of Elisha.

After I had commenced writing this, our Captain came along , and required me particularly to write to you, stating how much he felt attached to the young man. We looked after his effects, but found nothing that can be sent home. He had no money, for we have not been paid off in some time .

I took charge of his burial. The Captain and myself chose a pleasant spot for the grave, on high ground. I marked the grave as well as I could, so that if you should ever wish to remove the body, you could easily find it . It is about one mile from Harrison Landing on the James River, in the edge of a wood . In the grave and about six inches from the surface of the ground , I placed a stick six inches thick the entire length of the grave. The spot is near a large cottage house, painted white; also near a large flour mill, and within a short distance of the stream that runs the mill--- which is known as “Rollan Mills “. The place could easily be found, as I constructed a railing around the grave to mark it.

I have stated the circumstances as accurately as possible, and will now bid you a hasty and respectful adieu.
P. M. George

---We are informed that services occasioned by the death of young Bigelow will be held at the Methodist Church in this town on Sunday afternoon.