Couch, Darius Nash (1822-1897) to the Adjutant General for the State of New York
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02465.07 Author/Creator: Couch, Darius Nash (1822-1897) Place Written: Harrison's Landing, Virginia Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 19 July 1862 Pagination: 1 p. : docket ; 25.5 x 19.8 cm. Order a Copy
Brigadier General Couch writes to New York's Adjutant General (possibly John Titcomb Sprague or Thomas Hillhouse). Recommends Captain James Walsh of the 36th Regiment New York Volunteers for the position of Colonel or Lieutenant Colonel to Sprague and the Governor of New York (Edwin D. Morgan). Writes, "It is almost presuming for me unknown as I am to the Governor to make this recommendation- but the regiment has been under my command nearly a year and therefor know something of its condition- At the battle of Fair Oak Capt Walsh was the ruling spirit in the regiment." Goes on to praise Walsh, mentioning the Battle of Malvern Hill. Can not recommend Major Rana for promotion because his hand was shot, and some soldiers are of the opinion that Rana shot himself. Notes that after the battle, "Rana left immediately for the North."
John Titcomb Sprague was Adjutant General for the State of New York August 1861- January 1865; Hillhouse also served as Adjutant General in New York during the Civil War.
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