Page:Southern Historical Society Papers volume 13.djvu/133

 132 Southern Historical Society Papers.

CAMP NEAR FAIR OAKS, VA.,

June 9, 1862. COLONEL BRATTON,

Sixth South Carolina Volunteers:

SIR, On the evening of May 31, the regiment under your com- mand being one of those opposed to the brigade under command of Colonel J. H. Hobart Ward, Thirty- Eighth New York Volunteers, (to whose command I have the honor to belong), you were, un- fortunately for you, severely wounded, and came under my charge.

On that occasion you placed in my charge, for safe keeping, your watch, and now, being in a place of safety, I have the honor, through General P. Kearney, commanding this division, to return the same, and with the hope that your wound, though severe, may not prove fatal.

I remain, with sincere sympathy,

most respectfully your obedient servant,

B. GESNER, Assistant Surgeon Thirty Eighth N. Y. V.

CAMP NEAR FAIR OAKS, VA.,

June 10, 1862.

DEAR SIR, The fortunes of this unnatural war have made you a prisoner, and it was in the hands of one of my regiments (Fourth Maine, Colonel Walker) that you fell. I take the liberty, in courtesy and good feeling, of putting myself, or friends of the North, at your disposal.

I forward by a special messenger your sword, belt and watch, together with a letter from the surgeon, Dr. Gesner, who attended you, who is an acquaintance of your family at the South.

If, sir, you will permit me the favor, I also place at your call a credit with my bankers, Riggs & Co., Washington, $200, which may serve you until your own arrangements are made. Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

P. KEARNEY,

Brig. - Gen. Comm 1 d'g jd Division, Third Corps. COLONEL BRATTON, Sixth South Carolina Regiment.

CAMP NEAR FREDERICKSBURG, VA.,

January 24, 1863.

GENERAL, I beg to recommend Colonel John Bratton, command-