Tuscumbia, Ala., August 28, 1862.
The order has been
issued requiring battalion adjutants to be mustered out of the service, but
Colonel Mizner insists on our remaining, and being either assigned to companies
or made regimental adjutant commander and quartermaster, which offices this new
law provides. General Oglesby wants me very much. I was down to Corinth a few
days since and saw him. Told him about this order mustering me out, and he
offered to go with me to General Grant and ask for an order excepting me from
muster. I knew that the wording of my commission wouldn't allow such an
irregularity and had to decline. If I stay with the regiment now, I will not be
able to get on Oglesby's staff, as I wish, for in either of the three places
which I can get, I could not be detached. But General Oglesby said that he
would give me plenty of time to go home and hunt a lieutenancy in the company,
and then he would have me assigned to him. I could not get home in less than
eight days, and by that time I think would have a difficulty in getting a
position, for regiments will be so near organized that new comers will stand a
poor chance. Have almost made up my mind to go home and run my chances. I know
I am worth more than a lieutenancy, and that in these regiment staff places
there is no chance for promotion. Would almost as lief commence again in the
ranks. Am sure I would be a captain as quickly.
[He came home and
raised a company in the 103d Illinois Infantry, and was elected captain. — Ed.]
SOURCE: Charles
Wright Wills, Army Life of an Illinois Soldier, p. 128
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