Brig^r Genl Benj. Hill

Richmond

1^st Decr.

 

            I announce to you that you have been appointed by the Prest Brigr Genl and that the appointment has been conferred by the Senate this day & I have your Commission in my pocket. Charley is at Oxford awaiting my return I will come tomorrow morning at 6 Oclock & I will have immediate dispatch. Though I doubt whether he will be able to get through directly, he will bring your commission. I wrote by mail that you may get the information & act accordingly. I have had your appointment published in all / the Richmond papers so that you may get the information in advance of Charleys perambulations through space

 

I want you to write immediately to the War Department appointing G C Ridley (as Aid or Inspector or Adjutant he will fill either) & ask his transfer & that he be ordered to report to you. You must take Charley too & give him a good place I will furnish him a good horse He will serve you with fidelity & I tell you Hill the young fellow has / has had a hard time on this trip He ought to be rewarded & I know you will not neglect him George C Ridley belongs to Wards Regiment Genl Dukes Brigade. Your promotion of him will entitle you to his transfer. Attend to this with the same punctuality that I have served you and "honors are easy". But dont forget Charley Both these boys are chips of the old block & will make their marks if you will give them a chance I will write to Charley

 

Your friend

B Ridley /

 

Direct your letter appointing your Staff to General Sparrow Chairman of the Committee on Military Affairs viz Address the Secretary of War through Genl Sparrow I have spoken to him & he will [?]

B Ridley

SOURCES