John Frederic Lowder to Gen. Van Valkenburgh , United States, January 12, 1868

Mr. Lowder to Mr. Van Valkenburgh.

Dear Sir: It is with feelings of no common regret that I find myself compelled to take pen and paper to record the few circumstances that have come under my personal knowledge in connection with the sad fate of Admiral Bell, of the United States navy. But as these form a link in the melancholy story of his death, I cannot but think that their perusal may afford some slight satisfaction to those who live to deplore his loss.

At about 1 o’clock yesterday a rumor reached me that an American boat had been capsized in attempting to cross the bar at the mouth of the river, which, as you are aware, is about three miles from my residence. The wind had been blowing hard all that day and the one previous, and although the rumor was extremely vague, I at once repaired to the scene of the reported disaster in order to ascertain for myself the truth of the matter, and if haply I might have it in my power to render any assistance. On nearing the fort, I perceived on the extreme left, or north side, what appeared to me to be the keel of a boat, lying, I should judge, about 200 yards from the shore. My worst fears were aroused at this sight, and after making inquiries from the people of the village without eliciting any information whatever, I resolved to take a boat and make my way up to the object which had excited my apprehensions. About half-way between the fort and this object I saw a body lying in the water with its face downwards. With the assistance of two gentlemen who accompanied me it was raised into the boat, and then for the first time I discovered who it was. Words fail me to describe the sensations which for the moment overpowered me when I recognized the calm features of the poor admiral, looking in death as placid and serene as was ever their wont in life. We laid him gently in the bottom of the boat, and reverently covered his remains, while we pulled back to the landing steps. Here I met Lieutenant Higginson, in whose charge, after making the necessary arrangements for securing the best room in the village, I left the corpse, and rode back to bring you the sad intelligence.

I will only add to these few details that I was personally acquainted with the deceased; and when I say that there are few men for whom I have so great respect and esteem, either in private or in public character, I feel that I only give feeble expression to the feelings which were entertained towards him by every individual who enjoyed the honor of his acquaintance; and I shall ever have a sentiment of pride and satisfaction in the thought that circumstances should have made me instrumental in doing even this little towards the discovery and rescue of his remains.

Believe me, dear sir, most sincerely yours,