Your friend,
H. Paulding.
John Potts, Esq.,
Chief Clerk, War Department.
Navy Yard, New York,
Dec. 23rd, 1863.
Sir: I take leave, most respectfully, to commend to your Excellency's consideration my young friend, Henry C. Meyer, a private in Second N. Y. Light Cavalry. He is intelligent, of a highly interesting and unexceptionable character, well educated, and in all his attributes of a gentleman well calculated to fill the place of an officer.
He has been serving in the field with Genls. Kilpatrick and Gregg for eighteen months, and his commanding officers testify to his gallantry and his manly bearing.
In speaking thus highly of Mr. Meyer I do so from personal knowledge, having known him from a child.
I trust your Excellency may be able to advance this young gentleman to a position worthy of his merit, feeling assured it will be for the interest of the public service.
With high respect, your Excellency's most ob'd't serv't,
H. Paulding,
Rear Admiral.