3rd Rhode Island Heavy Artillery - Brevet Brigadier General

Item LTR-11212

Description

Original Civil War soldier's letter. 1 page, written in period ink.


Headquarters Battery “C” 
3rd Rhode Island Volunteer Artillery
Morris Island, SC 
September 16, 1863
 
Dear Colonel,
 
I wrote you but a few days since, but I received by the “Fulton” an offer of the Lieutenant Colonelcy of the “Negro Heavy Artillery Regiment” now forming in Rhode Island – what to do, I do not know. I have applied for a “leave of absence” and been put off by the General with much the same kind of communication as you received from Hunter in your correspondence concerning the Chief of Artillery, dilating upon my efficiency and the importance of having me if operations are to go on successfully.
I am forced to decide by return steamer and shall accept, so as to keep the place open until I can hear from you.  But I don’t want to leave the 3^rd Colonel. Why cannot you arrange with the Governor to give me the 1st vacancy in the 3^rd, although I may be away for a short time. Get Bailey my place and give me his. He will jump at it. Try and arrange it so that I can be with you, if not now, in a short time. 
Comstock comes by the “Fulton” as a “civilian.” Please write me by return mail. Nothing new. Barker in command of company M. 
Hoping to see you soon.
 I am truly yours,
 
C. R. Brayton
Captain, 3rd Rhode Island Artillery
 
Colonel Edwin Metcalf