Civil War Experiences Part 6

(Official copy) H. C. WEIR, Capt. A. A. G.

HEAD QUARTERS 3RD DIVISION, CAVALRY CORPS, Octr. 5th, 1863.

Special Order } No. 38. }

Private Henry C. Meyer, Co. C, 2nd N. York Cavalry, is hereby detailed on special duty as Clerk in the Adjt. Genl's Office at these Head Quarters, and will report for duty without delay.

By command of Brig.-Genl. Kilpatrick.

L. G. ESTES, A. A. Genl.

(Official) L. G. ESTES, A. A. G.

RECOMMENDATIONS FOR PROMOTION TO A COMMISSIONED OFFICER

HEAD QUARTERS, 3rd DIVISION, C. C.

December 31st, 1863.

HON. GEO. T. COBB:

I understand that you are about to make an effort to secure a Lieutenancy in one of the regular Cav. Regiments for Henry C. Meyer, now a private in Harris Light Cavalry. I hope you will be successful; he fully merits and will fill with honor the position to which he aspires.

He was for a long time a clerk at General Gregg's Hd. Qurs., and after I was given a Division transferred to my Head Quarters. He is energetic, well educated, and a Gentleman, and possessing as he does a thorough knowledge of all papers, accounts, and reports which pertain to a regiment, brigade, or division, acquired by one or two years' service in the field, he is better qualified to discharge the duties of a subordinate officer than many of our West Point graduates on leaving the Academy. If you think this letter will aid in your efforts you are at liberty to use it.

Very Respectfully, Your Obed't Serv't, J. KILPATRICK, Brig. Genl. Vols.

LETTER ACCOMPANYING MY COMMISSION WHILE IN SEMINARY HOSPITAL

HD. QTS. 24TH N. Y. CAVALRY, NEAR PETERSBURG, VA., July 22, '64.

MY DEAR CAPT: Your commission has arrived and I have forwarded it to your address at the Metropolitan Hotel, Was.h.i.+ngton. D. C, thinking it would be more safe than at the Hospital, for we're not certain where you are now. I congratulate you on the promotion and am happy to acknowledge that you deserve it and much more than a bleeding, suffering country like ours can ever give. These honors but illy pay a man for the suffering endured, where horrible wounds like yours are the penalty of bravery. Yet the consciousness of having done one's duty is much reward.

We all look for your return with much interest. Lt. Raulston is to-day mustered to your Company. I enclose a morning report of your Co.

With many wishes for your health, I am,

Yours, NEWBERRY, Lt-Col. Comdg.

CAPT. HENRY C. MEYER.

FINAL DISCHARGE ON ACCOUNT OF DISABILITY FROM WOUNDS

WAR DEPARTMENT, ADJT. GENL'S OFFICE, WAs.h.i.+NGTON, D. C.

October 13th, 1864.

Special Order} No. 345. }

(_Extract_.)

51. The following named officers are hereby honorably discharged the Service of the United States on account of physical disability from wounds received in action, with condition that they shall receive no final payments until they have satisfied the Pay Department that they are not indebted to the Government.

2nd Lt. H. C. MEYER, 24th N. Y. Cav'y.[7]

[Footnote 7: I was discharged as 2nd Lieutenant because no opportunity occurred to permit my being mustered in as Captain before I was wounded.

Congress, however, recognized all such cases, and subsequent legislation gave all officers the rank they were eligible to--mine being Captain.

Subsequently I received a commission as Brevet Major, stated to be for "gallant and meritorious services."--H. C. M.]