Headquarters 6th Corps,
Welford's Ford, Virginia,
December 15, 1863.
Brigadier-General L. Thomas,
Adjutant-General U. S. A.
General:
I have the honour to ask you to lay before the Honourable
Secretary of War, for his consideration, the name of Brigadier-General J.
H.Ward for the appointment of Major-General. General Ward came out at the first
breaking out of the Rebellion as Colonel of the 38th Regiment New York
Volunteers, which formed a part of the brigade which I then commanded. I feel,
therefore, that I am justified in recommending him to the consideration of the
Honourable Secretary.
For his efficiency in preparing his regiment for the field,
and his gallantry in leading in battle, he was appointed a Brigadier and
assigned to his old brigade, which he has led in every action since, when he
was not in command of the division. Of the services of that brigade and
division it is not necessary to speak, as they are well known to every General
officer in this army. I would also mention that General Ward has been connected
with the regular and volunteer service for the past twenty years, and his
experience in that time and his services during the Rebellion eminently fit him
for the position recommended.
I am, very respectfully,
Your obedient
servant,
John Sedgwick,
Major-General.
SOURCE: George William Curtis, Correspondence of
John Sedgwick, Major-General, Volume 2, p. 166-7
