Washington Friday Jan 17^th 1862

 

Dear Major

                        I telegraphed you this morning that the Quarter Master & myself would forthwith at once be mustered out. I did all I could in the matter but without avail. They thought at the war office that it was rather a hard case but could not help it. The appointments are not absolutely necessary, for our places could be filled from the line & they are not legal. The Secretary (Cameron) was unwilling to sign any special order which should increase at all the expenses of the government unless absolutely necessary. He said that the only way to reach our case was to make the Battalion into a Regimental organization (an incomplete regiment) & this, for the reasons stated above, he declined to do. I suppose it will be too late to get me a commission in the 6^th company but if not I should like to have it. And for another chance I suppose I have perhaps the first claim in case a vacancy should occur, by reason of your promotion & the appointment of a Major in your place.

 

            Col. Scott Ass^t Sec of War told me that the proper way to procure the formation would be for the Governor to write to the Sec. of War, stating to him that six companies were now mustered & asking that you might be promoted, or that he might have power granted to / give you a commission as Lieut.-Col. & also for authority to commission a Major. This last authority, I think it doubtful if they will grant. But not the first.

 

            As for me, I shall not feel very uncomfortable if I have to return to private life again & hope that you will give yourself but little, if any, trouble on my account. I will however continue to study up in tactics & make myself competent to take any command in the line of company officers that may offer.

 

            Lizzie & Mr Knight desire their regards to you. I hope to cross the river tomorrow.

                                                                       

Very truly Yours

Cha^s K. Cobb

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