"War Dep't Provost-marshal General's Office,
"Washington, D. C., October 21, 1863.
"To his Excellency the Governor of Ohio:
"Sir—Subject to your approval, it is hereby ordered that Corporal Lorain Ruggles, Company H, 20th Ohio Veteran Volunteer Infantry, has authority to proceed to Ohio and raise a company of cavalry, for certain special services, whereas ordered by these head-quarters.
"Should the Corporal's success warrant it, authority will be given him to raise three additional companies—not more than one company, however, to be under recruitment at one time.
"As soon as a company is raised, he will report with it at once to these head-quarters. The men must be enrolled under the present existing regulations, for the period of one, two, or three years, as the men may choose to enlist. The company must be raised within twenty days from the time the Corporal commences to recruit.
"By order of the Secretary of War.
"James B. Fry, Provost-marshal General."
With this I again reported to the Governor of Ohio. He opened the order and commenced to read aloud. When he came to the date, which was 1863, when it should have been 1864, he inquired: "Where have you been for a year past?"
"You know where I have been, Governor," I replied. "You know that that paper is dated wrong."
"Well, don't you know that when a military order is dated wrong it is all wrong."
"Yes; but what shall I do about it?"
"Go back to Washington and get it made right."