In camp Potomac Creek

11 Jany. /63

 

Col. Frances J. Parker,

                       

D^r Col.

              I was very glad to learn that my friend Dana had received a Captaincy, still I must own, that I was disappointed that I did not receive promotion.

 

               The case is a somewhat tender one with me—because, since Dana and I entered the service on the same day—and since promotion is the only point by which parties outside of our particular regiment can judge of our relative merrits as soldier and officer, his promotion anterior to mine, is proof to such outsiders, that I am less the deserving man than is he.

 

                        Reviewing my conduct since I joined the regiment / I cannot, in all fairness, see aught to condemn in my career or aught that can place my merrit beneath that of my friend Dana. So now I have an idea to propose, viz: That it be so arranged, that, should it be intended to give me a captaincy in case of vacancies occurring in the line by promotions from it, or otherwise, that the commission for the same should bear the same date as that of Dana. 'Tis more for my friends than for myself that I speak; In case Dana is made my senior, it is patent to them, that however well I may have been spoken of, still there are those who are better qualified or more deserving than am I.

 

                        From all that I have heard from you as well as from what my friend Dana has reported / to have heard from you, I judge that your feeling is that I am not less worthy of promotion than is he.

 

                        I forward the above suggestion, not wishing to cause you any trouble, yet desiring that it may reach you, so that, if there seem to be justice in it to you, you may, if it be proper and convenient, act upon it.

 

                        Major Stephenson left us a day or two since on a 4 days^(?) leave, doubtless he has seen you and reported the condition of the regiment.

 

                        Your absence has caused a social vacancy, wh. I fear will remain unfilled. Regret for your departure is constantly upon our lips—

 

                        Hoping this may find you in good health,

                                                                       

I remain very truly yr friend

H. Northey Hooper /

 

P.S.

            I have to most sincerely thank you for your favorable mention of my name in your report of the 32^d during the battle before Fredericksburgh—

 

[endorsement]

 

H. N. Hooper

January 11, 1863

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