Headquarters 23D Regt. O. V. I., Camp At Mouth
Of East River, Giles County, Virginia,
May 12, 1862.
Sir: —
Enclosed I send you the proceedings of the company commanders of the
Twenty-third Regiment O. V. I. nominating Rev. Russell G. French, a clergyman
of the Methodist Episcopal Church, to the office of chaplain of the regiment. I
have to request that Mr. French may be immediately commissioned — his
commission to bear date May 1, 1862.
Rev. Amos Wilson was the former chaplain. He resigned on the
30th of April. His resignation was accepted and I directed his name to be
stricken from the roll of officers of the Twenty-third Regiment.
Mr. French is a loyal citizen of Mercer County, of
unblemished character, and with a fair reputation as a Christian and clergyman.
He was driven from his home because he was a Union man; joined my command at
Raleigh to act as guide and scout. We found him a most valuable man. He served
without compensation. When serving with Company C in the late fight at Camp
Creek he had his right thigh shattered to pieces by a Rebel ball. He is
probably mortally wounded; in any event, he is crippled for life. Lieutenant
Bottsford, who commanded Company C, says he behaved with great gallantry. He
has a large family and small means. Officers and men all desire his appointment
as herein requested.
Respectfully,
R. B. Hayes,
Lieutenant-colonel 23D Regiment O. V. I.,
Commanding.
Brigadier-general C.
P. Buckingham,
Adjutant-general.
Copy [of] letter to Governor Tod asking a commission for
Russell G. French, our wounded scout, etc., etc., as chaplain Twenty-third
Regiment O. V. I.
SOURCE: Charles Richard Williams, editor, Diary and
Letters of Rutherford Birchard Hayes, Volume 2, p. 268-9
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