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From DigitalMaine Transcription Project
Bangor Aug 30th 1861
Gov Washburn
Dr Sir
My Son Joseph B Forbes is a Sargeant in Compy H 2nd Main [Maine] Regt V. M. M. and desires to get a place of midshipman in the Navy.
He is in His 22d year, is a good Sailor, has been to India, Italy and other voyages Sufficient to learn His duty and has done it faithfully. He likes the Sea better than Land and thinks He might be more usefull [useful] in the Navy and if the transfer is admissible I cannot See why it Would not be a mutual advantage. As I understand their [there] is more Want of men on the Sea than land Service and if the Government is oblieged [obliged]