Butler, Benjamin F. (Benjamin Franklin) (1818-1893) to Andrew Gregg Curtin
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC01910 Author/Creator: Butler, Benjamin F. (Benjamin Franklin) (1818-1893) Place Written: Virginia Type: Letter signed Date: 18 September 1864 Pagination: 2 p. ; 24.6 x 19.5 cm. Order a Copy
Butler writes to Curtin, Governor of Pennsylvania, from the field. Recommends John Cassels, Provost Marshal at Fort Monroe, for promotion to Major in the 11th Pennsylvania Cavalry Regiment. Notes, "I take the liberty to do so, because it has been perhaps, partly my act that he may not be considered within the line of promotion." Attests there is no post which requires more responsibility than that of Provost Marshal. Writes, "After carefully watching Capt Cassel's course, for many months, I am satisfied not only in his efficiency and energy, but also with his integrity and patriotism." Written on Headquarters, Department of Virginia nd North Carolina letterhead.
[excerpt]
I take the liberty to do so, because it has been perhaps, partly my act that he may not be considered within the line of promotion. When I took command of the Department, I found him Provost Marhsal, a Stranger to me. There is no more responsible post, or one more liable to temptation, no one more obvious to fault and clamor and no one requiring more varied ability and strict integrity, in the Army. After carefully watching Capt Cassel's course, for many months, I am satisfied not only in his efficiency and energy, but also with his integrity and patriotism. He has not been kept upon this detailed service upon his special request, but because I was satisfied that he was of more use to the United States here, than he could possibly be anywhere else. Therefore, out of my ususal custom, I venture cordially to recommend him…
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