Headquarters

Department of Mississippi,

Office of Staff Quartermaster,

Vicksburg, Miss., June 28^th, 1866.

 

Bvt Major-General S. W. Crawford

            Chambersburg Penn

 

My Dear General

Your kind favor of the 21^st May reached me at this place about ten days since. I am desirous of obtaining a brevet promotion for my conduct at the battle of "Cedar Mountain" Va August 9^th 1862.

 

            I was so unfortunate to be wounded & taken prisoner, and afterwards—as you no doubt will remember—I became involved in a personal difficulty with Col Geo D Chapman 5^th C.V. which was the only reason why I was not reported to you as Brigade commander for personal bravery

 

            I speak of the facts as they occurred simply to refresh your memory in case you were at the time cognizant of the same—as I am of the impression you were. During that fearful charge of your / Brigade I commanded my Company (C color Company) and as the line advanced I led my company in front of the line, and when my Color Sergeant was killed I seized the National Color as it fell from his hands and bore it myself—still in front of the line—until wounded; and when I fell on the field I planted the staff of the Color in the ground and held it up unfurled until taken from me by one of my Company Sergeants who advanced with it and received three wounds.

 

            I trust you will pardon me General for giving so full description; but I feel that I am entitled to some recognition of my conduct, which I have never before asked for, and should not now but for the almost universal bestowal of honors by brevets. I feel entitled to the same compliment and believe I may obtain the same if represented by yourself to the Sec of War, or the President

 

            I entered the 5^th C.V. as Captain May 14^th 1861, served in that capacity until January 21^st 1863 when I resigned on account of my wound. I entered the V.R.C. April 23^rd / 1864 and am now only a 1^st Lieut, having occupied a variety of positions and compliments by every Commanding Officer I have served under. I suppose there is on file against me a very bitter and vindictive communication from Col Chapman which has no doubt had some effect in keeping me from being restored to my original rank

 

            If Lieut Col Stone and Major Blake or either of them had returned from that battle I should have no doubt received all the honors their influence could bestowed, as I was on the most friendly and intimate social & official relations with both. It was in consequence of my efforts to support Lieut Col Stone and give him the honor which I shall always consider justly belonged to him at that terrible battle that I was thus unfortunately involved in controversy. But I am making a long story & will only ask you that if you remember any of the / circumstances of which I mention to give me such recommendation or other assistance as will help me to secure a promotion to brevet Major I shall thank you. I do not want any honors I am not entitled to receive, and I think you will agree with me that my claim is a proper one

 

            If you have an opportunity please extend my highest regards to your brother, the Rev also the one whom I knew as your aid.

 

            I am serving as Aid-de-Camp and Staff Q.M. on the Staff of Major-General Th J Wood Comdg Dept of Miss.

 

            Generals Steadman and Fullerton are here on their mission of Investigation &c

 

            Weather very oppressively hot, and dusty.

 

                        I hope to hear from you General at an early date.     

                                                                                   

I Am General

Very Respfly your obt servt

Geo. W. Corliss

1^st Lieut V.R.C. and A.D.C.

 

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Corliss

1866

[?]

 

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General I should be pleased

to receive your carde-de-visite

SOURCES