.MTk3MQ.MjUwODc

personally to him (which was not my intent) and in that case not feel at liberty to grant it. I have taken the liberty to address my request to you, respectfully referring you to my communication to him, as setting forth the reasons for my application, and to the endorsements thereon by the several parties (of which the [?] last have recently been added) hoping it may be found worthy of your favorable consideration.

I could procure a larger number of recommendations, but have refrained from doing so, considering that they would be deemed superfluous, and, confining myself to those persons with whom I have been associated, and who in consequence best know my qualifications to fill the position for which I ask, have them to vouch for me.

I believe it has been the custom for those applying for commissions to bring a certain number of men into the field, my presence in the