H^d Qr 1^st Brig 1^st Cav Division

Middle Mil^ty Division

Octo 5 1864

 

Capt A E Dana

Asst Adjt Genl

 

Capt

                                                In response to the Circular calling for a report of the names of meritorious Officers, belonging to this command, who in the late engagements particularly distinguished themselves, and who are for that reason deserving of promotion, I have the honor to submit the following

 

                                                As during that time I did not command the Brigade it would be improper for me to say on my own responsibility who are the bravest, or the most deserving. I have asked General Custer to inform the General Commanding Division if there were any of whose conduct he wished to make particular mention.

 

                                                Further than this, I submitted / the matter to Regimental Commanders. Their reports agree with my conviction that where all behaved so well, to institute a comparison unfavorable to any would be unjust. To mention by name those whose conduct (not only in the recent engagements, but in all the engagements in the valley) has merited notice would be to name nearly every Officer "on duty" with the Command. If there are exceptions at all they certainly are those who did not distinguish themselves particularly and absolutely.

 

                                                I cannot omit to mention the names of Lieutenant Colonel Melvin Brewer, Comdg. 7^th Mich Cavalry, and Capt W^m O. North 5^th Mich Cavalry both of whom were mortally wounded at Winchester, both of whom received their death (where they were always) at the head of their men.

 

                                                It will also be proper for me to say that Col. Stagg Comdg 1^st Mich Cavalry and Major Hastings / Comdg 5^th Mich Cavalry were conspicuous for the gallantry with which they "led their men" Both these Officers certainly deserve promotion if that thing goes by merit

 

                 To say that the Officers and men of these Regiments "stood by" their Brigade and Division Commander at Winchester is enough.

 

That they did I know

 

 Very Respectfully

Yr obt Servant

 J H Kidd

Col. Comdg Brig

 

[verso]

 

Hd Qurs 1^st Cavy Div

            Sept 6^th 1864

In forwarding this communication

which I earnestly endorse, I would

recommend that Col. J. H. Kidd,

6^th Mich Cavalry, be brevetted

Brig Genl Vols for highly meritorious

conduct during the campaign and

distinguished gallantry at the battle

of the Opequan. Col. Kidd's name

would have been mentioned in my

report, but at the time it was written

I supposed Genl Custer would recommend

in the 1^st Brig

                                                W. Merritt

                                                Brig Genl Comd

 

V.

1231. M. M. A.G. o. 1864

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