ADMIRAL PAULDING TO GENERAL KILPATRICK.
Navy Yard, New York,
Febr'y 16th, 1864.
My Dear General:
Without a personal acquaintance, I respect and honor you for gallant service in the field.
You have had my young friend Henry Meyer with you and have learned to esteem him. I have known him from a boy, as an interesting youth, and as a gentleman by education and association, and know that when he entered the Army as a Private he was honored and beloved, and from zeal and love of country he left a comfortable home and lucrative place.
I am very fond of him for his personal merit and have confidence in commending him to you in every way in which he can serve you in our sacred cause.
He is now a 2d Lieut. in a New York Regt. and will doubtless be able soon to fill a more prominent place.
For the favor you have shown him, and for your gallant and distinguished services to the country, I entertain the highest respect for you and thank and honor you and beg to subscribe myself your friend and most obd't serv't.
H. Paulding,
Rear Admiral and Comdt.
To Genl. J. Kilpatrick,
Army of the Potomac.