After the Battle of Gainesville, Virginia, on August 28, 1862, Lieutenant Colonel Lucius Fairchild, 2nd Wisconsin Infantry, writes a Beloit father that his son (and Fairchild's friend), Colonel Edgar O'Connor, has died in combat.

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See images of Edgar O'Connor and the 2nd Wisconsin Officers' Mess.

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From Original Text:"I have one horse belonging to Edgar, his wallet and his little baggage. I do not know the amount of money in his wallet, as it is badly matted with his blood.

Edgar's last words were, to say to his wife and father and mother, "God bless them!" They were said to a young man named Harshaw of 2d. I did not see him after he left the field, as Major Allen was wounded, leaving me the only well field officer present.

Edgar was a fine officer, and no man can fill his place in 2d. The men speak of him with tears in their eyes, and wish they and their 'little Colonel' back again.

You may well be proud of him and of his memory."