Aledo Weekly Record
Tuesday, Aug 25, 1863

FUNERAL OF CAPT. JAS. BURNETT, which occurred in this place, Tuesday last, was largely attended by his many friends and acquaintances throughout the County, each anxious to pay their tribute of respect to the memory of one who had fallen, while defending the cause so near and dear to every patriot's heart. His remains were conveyed to the Candor Church-yard, for internment, and very appropriately wrapped in the American Flag, followed by a large procession, including quite a number of soldiers, preceded with martial music. Col. Shedd, Capt. Sanders, Capt. Scudder, Lieuts. Gibson McClure, and Blackburn, acting as pall-bears. At the grave they were met by large numbers from that vicinity, where the remains of Captain James Burnet were consigned to their last resting place with military honors.

Letter to His Cousins

Benton Barracks

MO Dec the 14th/62

Respected Cousins

I seat myself a few moments for the purpose of writing a few lines to inform you of my existence and enjoyment of good health and hoping this letter should now find you all enjoying a like blessing. I had a severe spell of sore eyes and a Big Boil on my leg on arriving here but feel as fine as a fiddle now. I just received a letter from _____(?) and one from the boys. They was all well. I should have written sooner but found a large amount of letters here and have been kept buy catching up with them. There is nothing new in camp at this time. There is a few Regt here but most of them are under marching orders. There is but few of the Paroled men here. A good many have been exchanged and a great no. at home. If I am not exchanged by the time we muster for pay again I shall come up and see you later. ______(?) if he is not gone to stay until the first of next month & I will come up and we will have a visit. I would like much to see him. I missed a connection all the way costing me nearly double that it would if I could have went strait through.

We have good news from our army at this time and if the wet weather does not prevent I think that we will have some division battles soon. Albert what say you ?? of Reid. I understand has gone home is discharged. Give my best respects to him if you see him. I feared his health would not admit of his gowing into active service on the field. He stopped here as he was going to the Regt. I have not any letter since I saw him. I am a gowing to have my Photograph taken. I have got the negative taken and as soon as there comes a clear there they can print them & I will fetch you up one and one to send to your Father.

You must write soon. Kiss the little Children for me & I will close for the present.

From your Cousin and friend
      James Burnett

Letter, notes and photographs courtesy of Matt Anderson, Homer Glen, Illinois.

Notes by Matt Anderson:  He never used a period at the end of a sentence and didn't capitalize the first letter of the next sentence...run-on composition with some strangely spelled words/usage. Capt. Burnett was 5'6" tall, auburn hair, grey eyes, light complexion, married and 41 years old. The photograph of him may be the same picture referred to in the letter.