Following the 10 June 1861 Battle of Big Bethel, General Butler writes a letter of sympathy to Winthrop, informing her of the death of Major Theodore Winthrop, her son. States "After Major Winthrop had delivered the order with which he was charged to the Commander of the Regiment, he took his rifle and while his guide held his horse in the woods in the rear with too daring bravery went to the front; while there stepping upon a log to get a fell view of the foe, he received the fatal shot ..." Informs Mrs. Winthrop that because Theodore was so close to enemy lines, Union troops could not recover his body, and he was given a proper burial by Confederates. States "Although a stranger, my tears will flow with yours in grief, for the loss of your brave and too gallant son, my late friend and brother - I had not known him long but his soldierly qualities; his daring courage; his true hearted friendship; his genial sympathies; his cultivated mind; his high moral tone all combined so to win me to him - that he had twined himself about my heart with the cords of a brother's love."