Head Quarters

Hilton Head S.C.

July 17^th 1862.

 

Major,

                        I have the honor to state that you will confer a great favor upon me, by recommending me to the Col. Com'd'g as a fit person to form one of the four enlisted men who are to be detailed on recruiting service in accordance with an order issued from the office this day.

 

                        My reasons for being detailed on this duty are as follows:

 

                        During the past two months as well as at the present time I have suffered much from "involuntary seminal emissions". I have thus far been able to do my duty, which is very light, viz. that of a clerk in the Post Adjutants Office, but yet the effects of these frequent "emissions" cause great debility both of body and mind, and in my opinion a change of climate would be greatly beneficial to my health. I formerly was subject to these same "nocturnal emissions" in Providence, but had as I thought dispelled them under the care of an excellent physician, Dr Holmes / but now they are returning with renewed vigor, and they are no doubt caused by the warmth of the nights which cause me great restlessness in my sleep. If I were allowed to go farther North I am confident that I should, under the care of Dr. Holmes who well understands my case, be able to perform satisfactorily all the duties devolving upon me.

 

            Please give this subject due consideration and speak with the Col. Com'd'g concerning my request as favorably as you possibly can. Believe me to be Major

                                                                       

Very Respectfully

Your Most Ob't Serv't

David A. Holmes

Corp. Co "A" 3^d R.I. Art'l'y

Clerk at Post Adj't's Office

 

Major Edwin Metcalf.                                    

 

P.S. Please let me know the result of your communication with the Col. in this case.

                                                                       

Very Respectfully &c

David A. Holmes, &c

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