31st & 34th Massachusetts Infantry

Item LTR-74

Description

2 pages written in period ink.

Headquarters 34th Mass Vols
Fort Lyon, Va. Feb. 9th 1863

General L. G. Bently,

Dear Sir,
I trust you pardon me for intruding upon your time, and so unceremoniously pushing myself into your notice. Although of some connection, still I am but a stranger, but being rather of an ambitious young man, and knowing as I do your influence in your State, I have been emboldened to make a request of you to help an ambitious young man along in the way of influence.

I have been in the service of the N.G. about a year and a half as a First Lieutenant of Infantry. I have time and again been promised a promotion but some man who had more influence with Gov. Andrew than myself, succeeded in outmaneuvering me in each instance. I feel well posted up in military matters, and think I could be of more service to my country as a Major or Captain and be better satisfied myself. You will find enclosed letters from prominent men of Mass addressed to Gen Wilson M.C. from my district. I do not want a positioning the regular army as I do not wish to follow military for a business for life. Also a letter from my Colonel George D. Wells.

I left the 31st Mass Regt to join this as a Captain but another man brought influence to base on Gov Andrews in such a way as to cheat me out of my place and I was obliged to take a Lieutenancy here also.

I have the honor to make the following request that you will apply to Gov Seymour and if possible get me a position of Major in one of your New York Regiments. I enjoy the life of a soldier and think if I could get a good start I would succeed.

Please find enclosed a photograph which I send to Mrs. B. that you may know what kind of a looking man your cousin is who had taken such liberties as to write a letter like this.

Present my kind regards to Mrs. Bentley also to your sons Lewis and Henry. Hoping to hear from you soon I am Sir your obedient servant.

Lieutenant James W. Smith
Co D, 34th Mass Vols
Alexandria, Va

Son of Joseph Smith of Hadley, Mass