38th Massachusetts Infantry - Killed at Port Hudson

Item LTR-595

Description

2 pages, original Civil War Union letter written in period ink and war dated.


Headquarters 38th Regiment Mass Volunteers
Camp Kearney, Carrollton January 27, 1863

To Major General N. P. Banks
Commanding Dept. of the Gulf

General

Captain Charles C. Doten of my regiment and one of my most valued officers feels himself compelled to seek other service than that which he now honors. He has made great sacrifices in continuing thus far in his military career and I am well assured that nothing but the precarious state of his health would induce him to think of resignation.

Although it is highly proper under the circumstances for Captain Doten to leave a service in which he cannot continue without intentionally ruining his health and in which he does not wish to remain after he feels certain of his inability to fulfil all the duties pertaining to his position. Still, I have no doubt whatsoever he may in another field under valuable services to his country.

I cannot but think that in an hour like the present and in this department too, there must be other work than that which a soldier must perform in the field, requiring education and an honest patriotic heart.

Captain Doten has both these and as he proposes to present his name to you, for consideration, it gives me pleasure to add my testimony to that of other friends and to assure you of my belief that, he will undertake nothing he cannot do well and that he will ever be found an able, faithful man.


I have the honor to be General
Your obedient Servant
William Logan Rodman
LtCol Commanding 38th Regt Mass Vols.