Headquarters Sedgwick's Division,
Near Newport News, August 23, 1862.
Governor:
Understanding that you propose to recommend Colonel C. H.
Tompkins, 1st Rhode Island Artillery, for an appointment as Brigadier, I beg
leave to say to you that, in my judgment, few better appointments, or better
deserved, could be made from the volunteer service. Colonel Tompkins has been
upon my staff as Chief of Artillery since I have commanded this division, and
has commended himself strongly to me by his attention to his duties and by his
zeal and coolness in action, having been of great service to me in all the
battles we have shared in. Recently at Malvern Hill, in anticipation of a
probable severe engagement, I placed him in command of a brigade in preference
to giving it to any of the regimental commanders, believing that it would be
safest in his hands.
You are at liberty to make such use of this letter as you
see fit, and I shall be very glad if Colonel Tompkins gets his promotion.
I have the honour to be, with much respect,
Your Excellency's
most obedient servant,
John Sedgwick,
Major-General
Volunteers
SOURCES: George William Curtis, Correspondence of
John Sedgwick, Major-General, Volume 2, p. 77-8
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