Hilton Head S.C. December 21^st 1862

 

My Dear Colonel,

                                    I have intended for some time past to do a simple act of justice by bringing to your notice as the commander of his regiment, the gallant conduct of 2^nd Lieutenant Martin S. James, one of my aides, at the action at Pocotaligo on the 22^d of October last. The action as you [faded] was a severe one for the number of troops engaged [faded] fire of the enemy was at times exceedingly hot & destructive. During the day I had [faded] to the moat exposed [faded] under my command [faded] with an [faded] 

 

[faded] I am fully of the opinion that it would be better to make all staff officers independent appointments but the important duties of aides-de-camp must be discharged by some persons, & the law provides that they shall be by regimental subalterns. These duties require a high degree of intelligence for their proper performance, & I respectfully suggest that any rule which would deprive General Officers of the assistance of those whose character & knowledge entitle them to expect promotion, would prove detrimental rather than advantageous to the service. Permit me also to suggest that a regiment like your own in which there are four lieutenants, to each [faded] can spare officers for detached service far better than [faded]

 

[faded] has been I believe, the senior 2^nd Lieutenant of [faded] organization, [faded] consideration of this long [faded] which upon the occasion of which I have spoken [faded]

 

I am Colonel

Very respectfully Yours

[faded] Terry

[faded] Adj Genl Vols

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