| |
|
Hon. J. A. Seddon |
| Secretary of War |
| |
| Sir, |
| I have the honor to submit this my
application for re-appointment as Lieut Colonel of Infantry in the
Provisional Army of the Confederate States. |
| In as few words as possible I will
endeavor to give the main features bearing upon the subject. |
| When the First Maryland Regiment (at that
time composed of 3 year or war men) was, by order of the President
disbanded, Colonel Bradly T. Johnson directed me to report to Adgt Genl
Cooper at Richmond for orders. Upon doing so Genl. Cooper informed me
that as he had not been notified to the contrary, he presumed no
provision had been made for the officers of the regiment and therefore
they must consider themselves as mustered out of service. Not wishing to
burden the department with my private affairs I made no further effort
to be assigned to duty, but solicited and gained employment elsewhere.
Having since learned that a majority of the old officers have been
reinstated I feel it my duty, in justice to myself, to make this effort
to regain my former position, not that I am too proud to serve my
country as a private, but because I feel a just pride in the position I
won by my individual exertion and by my strict and faithful performance
of the duties assigned me. If my application is granted you may rest
assured sir that my best energies will be directed to the attainment of
the object for which we are battling. |
| I organized a company of Marylanders at
Richmond and entered the Virginia Army on the 16th May 1861. Was
transferred to the Confederate Army and ordered to report at Winchester
Va to assist in forming the First Maryland Regiment on the 10th June.
Was promote to Major on the 21st July following, and to Lieut Colonel
March 18th 1862. Have passed through Ten Battles besides numerous
skirmishes and have been twice wounded in action. |
| I beg leave to enclose copy of a letter
sent me by Col. Johnson in Sept 1862. |
| I have the honor to be |
| Very Respectfully Your |
| Obt. Servant |
| Edwd R. Dorsey |
| |
| My Address is Charlotte North Carolina |
| |
| {on back of document} |
| I have no authority to confer the appointment asked,
nor under the circumstances do I ????? S |