Boston October 28 1863.

 

Maj William Rogers A.A.G.

Major,

                 I have the honor to acknowledge receipt of your favor of the 27^th instant.

 

            I understand that the question which is therein proposed does not relate at all to the comparative merits of the two officers but simply to the equitable claim to the first promotion under the regulations of the State and of the Army.

 

            In reply I have the honor to say that in my opinion Mr Steele has the prior claim.

 

            The difficulties attendant upon the march and the campaign besides some collateral questions under the orders for a long time completely set aside the rule which prescribed muster as the rule of rank in the Army. Officers took rank by date of commission, sometimes (as in my own case) without being mustered at all—provided that they were on duty in the field.

 

            Mr Warren was not in the United States Service until about the date of Mr Steeles commission as 2^d Lieutenant which found him already in the service and in the field. /

 

And hence for promotion I considered Mr Steele as the senior officer in rank. and as his muster on the 1^st Lieut. rank was delayed by sickness incurred while on duty I think that by equity he still is the ranking officer.

 

Very respectfully

Your Obt Servt

Fran^s J. Parker.

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