Transcription

Richmond

Decr 23rd 1862

To the

Hon: James A. Seddon

Secty War

Sir

On the 29th of last month,

I was dropped from the rolls as 1st Lieut. of Co: "C"

32nd Regiment Va. Volunteers; I was not apprised

that any move of this kind had been made

until the 20th of the present month & at that time

unofficially & on the 23rd three days thereafter I

recd: an order from the Department confirming

same; It will be perceived that nearly a month

has elapsed since the order itself actually issued

before I was aware of its existence, therefore my

delay in looking into the matter:  I would now

inquire if the case may not be reviewed? if not

what proceeding is necessary to be had in order that

it may be seen whether the merits of the case justify

such treatment as I have received?  I am fully satisfied

that the whole matter by a fair investigation may be adjusted,

and that I be permitted to resign my commission

(which has been tendered three months ago) instead o f

this ignominious "Dropping" to which I have

been subjected; I would here take occasion

to remark that I have never been subject to

any military draft & that I am now free from

conscription.  Perhaps the only remedy I have, is

an appeal to the highest authority in the land,

which I am satisfied will not be deaf to the

story of an injured soldier, who volunteered at the