Head Quarters 1st Cavalry Division
October 4th 1864
Major Wm Russell Jr.
Asst. Adjt. General
Head Quarters Cavalry
Major;
In compliance with Circular I forward the names of Officers recommended by Brigade and Regimental Commanders for promotion brevet and mention in orders. I cordially endorse the recommendations of all these Officers. In addition to those mentioned I would respectfully make the following recommendations.
Brig. Genl. G. A. Custer to be Breveted Major General of Vols. for distinguished Services during the campaign and conspicuous gallantry at the battle of the Opequan
Bvt. Brig. Genl. T. C. Devin to be promoted to the rank of Brig. Genl. Vols. for distinguished Services during the campaign, and conspicuous gallantry at the battle of the Opequan
Colonel C. R. Lowell Jr 2nd Mass. Cavalry Commanding Reserve Brigade to be promoted to the rank of Brig. General of Vols for distinguished Services during the campaign and conspicuous gallantry at the battle of the Opequan.
I would respectfully recommend that Captain T. F. Rodenbough 2nd U.S. Cavalry be brevetted Major in / the regular Army, for highly meritorious and gallant conduct at the battle of Travillian Station, and that the same Officer receive the brevet of Lieut. Colonel in the regular Army for distinguished gallantry at the battle of the Opequan; Also, that Lieut. James Hastings 5th U.S. Cavalry be brevetted Captain in the regular Army for distinguished Services during the campaign and highly gallant conduct at the battle of the Opequan.
Also that the following named Officers of the 1st Division Staff be brevetted one grade for distinguished Services during the campaign and conspicuous gallantry at the battle of the Opequan
Captain A. E. Dana Assistant Adjutant General
Captain John Rogers 1st Rhode Island Cavalry
Captain Theo. W. Bean 17th Penna. Cavalry
1st Lieut. Edward Myers 1st U.S. Cavalry
1st Lieut. E. T. Bertrand 6th Penna. Cavalry
1st Lieut. Henry Baker 5th U.S. Cavalry
1st Lieut. Edward Whiteford 6th Penna. Cavalry
1st Lieut. J. C. Wiggins Signal Corps.
I take this opportunity of expressing my regret that according to the terms of the order calling for these recommendations no remark on the conduct of enlisted men is called for either for promotion, medals, or mention in orders
Very Respectfully
Your Obdt. Servant
W. Merritt
Brig. General Commdg.
[verso]
Head Qurs 1st Cavalry Division Head Qrs Cavalry M.M.D.
October 4th 1864 October 5th 1864
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Merritt. W.
Brig Genl
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Forwards names of certain
Officers for promotion for
gallant and meritorious
conduct.
(7 enclosures)
Respectfully forwarded
approved, and earnestly
recommended. The Cavalry
of this Army has had
very hard service and it
has done its duty most
gallantly. I would respect
fully request that immediate action be taken in this matter.
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Eight enclosures
B 146
Respectfully referred to
Major General Halleck,
Chief of Staff U.S.A.
A.G.O. S. F. Chalfin
Nov. 4. 64 A.A.G.
Recd A.G.O. Nov 4/64
Recd HQ CMMD 10-5/64
A T Torbert
E.B. 104 Brevet Major General
Chief of Cavalry
Headquarters Middle Military Division,
October 25th 1864.
Respectfully forwarded to the
Adjutant General of the Army.
Aproved.
P.H. Seridan
Major General Commanding.