Martin, Cap^t W^m P.

New London, Conn. Dec^r. 10^th 1884

Ans^d       "     15    "    

EM

 

General Edwin Metcalf,

            Providence, R. I.

 

Dear General—

                        I enclose several copies of a Memorial in relation to my advancement one step in rank upon being retired in March next; or retirement with the full pay of my present rank. These papers have in substance been introduced and referred, but no further action taken. I have little hope of my bill being passed; but the consideration of my case with others may induce legislators to consent to the passage of a general bill giving to captains who have reached the age for retirement, and who have / ____ years of service in their grade, one step in rank; and to Lieutenants with _____ years of service the pay of the next grade; or something like this. I would greatly prefer to receive this benefit, with my comrades, under a general provision. There are some captains who have served in that grade more than twenty-three, and many who have served twenty years, and over. I hope some measure including me will pass this session. I don't know what effect future legislation will have upon me. I do hope that some of the members from Rhode Island will read my Memorial and the attached letters, and aid in the passage of a bill that will help many beside me. I am blue in the prospect of going out after a lifetime of pretty hard service / in the grade in which I have stood since 1862.

 

                        I am not well, but improving. Full of malaria and rheumatism, and write with some labor and difficulty. Give us a push in memory of the old days, which we shall not see again, but which our children, or theirs, most surely will.

 

very truly Yours

W. P. Martin

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