New-York, Jan. 31st, 1863.
Governor desires that General Sprague will reply to this
note.
* * * * * * * * * *
His Ex'cy. Horatio
Seymour,
Governor of the State of New-York,
&c, &c.
Sir:
A regiment of infantry is now being organized in this
neighborhood under the temporary command of Col. Ethan Allen. It is deemed
desirable that Capt. Wm. T. Lusk of the 79th Highlanders (now in the field from
this State) should obtain a leave of absence with a view of his attaining the
Command of this Regt., Col. Allen wishing to retire. We are anxious at the
request of the friends of Capt. Lusk, who is a very deserving and meritorious
officer, to procure him a leave of absence for a limited period from his
present position, and beg your Excellency to aid us in an application to the
War Department towards the accomplishment of that end. This is also at Col.
Allen's1 request. With high regard, we are,
Your Obt. Servants,
Wm. Coventry
H. Waddell.
I fully concur in the recommendation of Mr. Waddell.
John J. Cisco.
As Capt. Lusk has been tendered the position of Lieut. Colonel
of a regiment now organizing in this State, his presence here is desirable. I
sincerely hope, therefore, that he may be granted a leave of absence.
A. Farnsworth,2
Col. 79th N. Y. V.
Respectfully transmitted to the Adjutant-General with a
request that, if consistent, a leave of absence may be granted for the purpose
mentioned.
Hd. Qrs. Albany, N.
Y.
Feb. 8th, 1863.
I. T. Sprague, Adjt.-General.
A. G. Office. Feby. 11th, 1863.
(636. V. 4) Respectfully returned to the Governor of
New-York. The rules of the Dept. do not admit of the leave being granted. When
the Command is organized, this officer will be discharged for promotion,
if the request be then made by the Governor.
By order of the
Sec'y. of War,
Asst. Adjt.-Genl.
_______________
1 Ethan Allen, Colonel.
2 Col. F. is absent from his Rcgt. at present in
consequence of a wound and ill health.
SOURCE: William Chittenden Lusk, Editor, War Letters
of William Thompson Lusk, p. 279-80