Very Respectfully,
Your Obed't Serv't,
J. Kilpatrick,
Brig. Genl. Vols.
LETTER ACCOMPANYING MY COMMISSION WHILE IN SEMINARY HOSPITAL
Hd. Qts. 24th N. Y. Cavalry,
Near Petersburg, Va., July 22, '64.
My Dear Capt: Your commission has arrived and I have forwarded it to your address at the Metropolitan Hotel, Washington. D. C, thinking it would be more safe than at the Hospital, for we're not certain where you are now. I congratulate you on the promotion and am happy to acknowledge that you deserve it and much more than a bleeding, suffering country like ours can ever give. These honors but illy pay a man for the suffering endured, where horrible wounds like yours are the penalty of bravery. Yet the consciousness of having done one's duty is much reward.
We all look for your return with much interest. Lt. Raulston is to-day mustered to your Company. I enclose a morning report of your Co.
With many wishes for your health, I am,
Yours,
Newberry,
Lt-Col. Comdg.