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Regiment: 11th Michigan Cavalry
Battles Mentioned:
Historical Figures: Stephen G. Burbridge
(Confidential)
Lexington Ky Jany 28/1865
Maj H. L Wise
I have taken the liberty to
write you a few lines in relation to what
is going on in the regiment and ask
your influence. Should you feel like giving
it so that I may have my rights in the Reg
One week ago Maj West Resignation
was accepted, leaving a vacancy in that
line. Capt Miles & myself are the
Ranking Captains left both being mustered
on the same day. I learned yesterday
that Capt George Co I had been appointed
to fill the vacancy. Subject to the approval
of the Gov. of Michigan. Capt Miles has
sent in his Resignation in consequence of
being jumped again. By the advice of
an officer who has always had a good deal
of influence in the Regiment, I have written
a protest to the Adjt General against
the approval of the appointment. I have been
with the Regiment and I think you will say
that I have done as much if not more duty
than any other Captain in it up to about 5
weeks ago. When unsolicited or unknown
to me. I was ordered by Genl Burbridge
to Report to Lexington as I was detailed by
the Judge Advocate as a member of the military
commission now in session, and have been on
duty here ever since every line officer that
I have talked with sayes that I am entitled
to the place & oughto have it and I dont
intend quietly to to Submit to injustice and
be cheated out of my just rights by a click
who are figuring further’s own advancement
I do not refer to Col. B. But some that are
under him. I never before have had any
reason to complain. Capt George You
are aware was the last or last but one of
the Captains mustered. at the organization
of the Regiment. You will Remember that
after I was mustered. I furnished some
18 Recruits to Capt George so as to help him
to be mustered, with the express understanding
that I should have them or as many others
in their place. But not one of the men
was ever replaced. I wanted them very much
to fill my Co to the maximum number.
And now I dont propose to submit willingly
to have a man placed over one. Who owes
his position at the time in part from me
and who was not mustered until sometime after
I was and who I believe is no better
Soldier or better qualified for the place
than I am. I should be perfectly willing
to leave this choice to the line officers of
the Regiment to decide.
I presume the
appointment has or will very soon be sent
to the Adjt General for the approval of
the Gov. If you think me worthy
and will take the trouble to see the Adjt
Genl. and state the facts to him and do
for me what you think is right, I shall
feel under many obligations. I wish
you was with the Regiment then I should
think we might have prove is justice done
to all. Every thing you may do if you wish it
Shall be stridly confidential. Please let me
hear from you soon.
I have the honor to be
Very Truly Your Obet Servt
Maj. H L Wise
Geo M. Wells
11
th Michigan Cav
Capt Co K 11th V Cav
Detached Duty
Detroit
Mich
