Massachusetts Governor Andrews to Secretary of War Stanton

Item LTR-7660

Description

Original Civil War soldier's letter. 3 pages, written in period ink. Signed by Governor of Massachusetts John A. Andrews. Requesting a commission for Hiram A. Oakman.


Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Executive Department
Boston

January 27, 1864

Honorable Edwin M. Stanton
Secretary of War

Sir,

Captain Hiram A. Oakman, lately of the 7th Regiment Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry was wounded at the Battle of Marye’s Heights, Fredericksburg, VA May 3, 1863. He was discharged on the recommendation of the Hospital Surgeon, for disability, August 24, 1863. But against his own wishes. He has now recovered and wishes to be recommissioned as Captain in the same regiment. He is recommended as a good and faithful officer by Lieutenant Colonel Harlow, of the 7th Regiment Massachusetts Volunteers and the recommendation is endorsed by Colonel, now Brigadier General Eustis, and Brigadier General Russell. Colonel Johns, now commanding the regiment, wishes his recommission and the vacancy caused by his discharge has not been filled.

I write to you for authority to recommission Captain Oakman, December 23, 1863, and Major Vincent, Assistant Adjutant General, write in reply, under date of December 29, 1863, that it would be necessary to forward a certificate of a surgeon, approved by the Medical Director of an Army Corp or Department, sharing recovery from the disability, and fitness for the duties of an active campaign.

A certificate was accordingly procured from Brigadier General Dale, Surgeon General of Massachusetts, approved by Surgeon A. N. McLaren, Medical Director, to the effort that Captain Oakman was so far recovered as to be fit for active duty in the field; and was forwarded to you by Major Rogers, Assistant Adjutant General of Massachusetts, on the 12th inst..

Not having yet received your decision upon my former application, I now renew the request for authority to recommission Captain Oakman in the 7th Regiment Massachusetts Volunteers, the vacancy being still unfilled.

I am, respectfully yours,

John A. Andrew
Governor of Massachusetts