.MjA3Ng.MjUzODM

Augusta March 23d 1863

Dear Sir

I take the liberty to present the name of Henry L Barker of Brewer as candidate for a company officer in a Negro Regiment.

Mr. Barker is about 23 years old. He has ever sustained a good moral character, is a strictly loyal and patriotic man--a thorough temperate man of good habit. He has good education as can be obtained in our Academics and public schools. He possesses good manly and soldierlike appearance. He enlisted in the Second Maine Regiment Company C and has been with it from the day of its mustering in, but as his term of enlistment expires in April next and as he intends to continue in the war until its close he would in my opinion if appointed to such an office as indicated to honor to himself and great service to his country. Henry L. Barker is the son of Jacob L. Barker a distinguished citizen of Brewer lately County Commissioner for Penobscot County.

Most Respectfully yours John Holyoke Representative from Brewer

Honourable Abner Coburn Governor of the State of Maine