Washington City March 31^st 1864.

 

Col Gage.

            Dr Sir.

                        In your letter enclosing statement regarding your son Glover's enlistment you state, that I will find Mrs Gages affid'^t. on file in the office of the Secretary of War. This, I assure you, I knew before, as I filed them them there myself; not only so, but strongly endorsed them in writing, and have been at least a dozen times / to the dep't, as Mrs Gage requested, and used all my official and personal influence to procure his discharge. Major Breck, who has charge of this department, had hundreds of previous applications on file, but assured me from time to time, that as soon as he could reach the case, he would do his best to accommodate me. The difficulty that I have had heretofore to contend with, was the fact, as the Secretary stated, that it was not sufficient for the mother alone to make the affidavit, while the father was living and did not join in it. Besides this, there was the difficulty / about the boy, when he enlisted, making the usual affidavit that he was 18 which placed the Department under the necessity of either holding him responsible for perjury, or the officer as guilty of subornation of perjury. Your statement, however, and request to have him discharged, will, I think remove the difficulty, and enable me to secure his discharge very soon. Perhaps, however, it may be well for you to send me Glover's affidavit setting forth the fact that he refused to state that he was 18, and never swore to it knowingly. Major Breck told me yesterday, that he should / make a favorable report to the Secretary of War, and Assis'^t. Secreytary Dana to whom his report will be made. I saw yesterday, and from what he said, I think I may predict, that he will concur. I have been thus particular in stating at length so that you & Mrs Gage may see that amid the immense drafts upon my time, I have not been forgetful of your or her request. In conclusion let me add, if you can have but a small conception to either get a private out of the regular order either paroled, sent home on recruiting service / or discharged, I think my interest, your interest, and the interest of of our party especially in northern Michigan is identical with the nomination of Mr Crapo for Gov^r

 

Please mention this to Charley Robinson, Mr Joslin, and such other true men as you think best. And, if you can, take a run out and see Crapo and have a friendly chat with him.

 

                        Tell him my views; or if you cannot go, write to him.

 

            I am confident, it / will help you and me in the future. You understand as to poor Birney, peace to his remains.

 

Very Truly Yours

J F Driggs

 

[overleaf]

 

J F Driggs

about

Glover

1864

March 31—

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