Item No. 0871289

Captain George W. Hindes, then commanding officer of the 96th New York Volunteers, wrote this letter to Lieutenant Courtland G. Babcock of Brigadier General Lewis C. Hunt’s staff on January 3, 1862. In it Hindes writes, “I have the honor to respectfully recommend 1st Sergeant Henry C. Buckman of Co. F, 96th Regt. N.Y. Vols for promotion to the rank of 2nd Lieutenant in Co. F to fill the vacancy occasioned by the resignation of 2nd Lieutenant J. P. Ransom.” He adds, “He is a good soldier & competent to fill the position, popular with officers and men of his company and Regiment.” Indeed, Buckman would be commissioned dated January 18, 1863.

The reverse is docketed with General Hunt replying to Hindes directly. The general writes, “Comd’g officers of Regiments may forward direct to their State Adjutant General the recommendations for commissions to deserving enlisted men.” He adds that “a number of such appointments have recently been rec’d in the 92nd.” The 92nd New York had been the regiment Hunt had led through the Peninsula campaign and in North Carolina.

The letter was written on both sides of a 7 3/4” x 9 3/4” letter sheet. It is in excellent condition with light foxing and toning. Creased at the original folds. The full transcript appears below:

Head Qrs 96th Regt. N.Y.S. Vols
Camp near Newbern N.C. Jany. 3rd 186[3]

Lt. C. G. Babcock
A.A.A. Genl.
1st Brigade, 1st Division
18th Army Corps

Sir
I have the honor to respectfully recommend 1st Sergeant Henry C. Buckman of Co. F, 96th Regt. N.Y. Vols for promotion to the rank of 2nd Lieutenant in Co. F to fill the vacancy occasioned by the resignation of 2nd Lieutenant J. P. Ransom.

He is a good soldier & competent to fill the position, popular with officers and men of his company and Regiment.

Deeming it for the interest of the Regiment & Service, I respectfully request that he be thus promoted.
Very Respectfully your
Most Obed’t Servt.
Geo. W. Hindes
Captain Co. K
Comdg 96th Regt. N.Y.S. Vols

Hd. Qrs. 1st Brig, 1st Div.
New Bern, N.C.
Jan’y 2 1863

Respectfully returned. Comd’g officers of Regiments may forward direct to their State Adjutant General the recommendations for commissions to deserving enlisted men. A number of such appointments have recently been rec’d in the 92nd.
L. C. Hunt
Brig Gen Vols