Transcribed today: my great-great grandfather’s words:
Camp Suffolk, Va.
Feb. 20, 1863 D. I. Van Buren,
Col. & Ass’t Adjt. Gen of 9 Corps d’ Army (?)
Sir,
I have the honor hereby to tender my Resignation of the Captaincy of Company H of the 130 Regiment, New York State Volunteers, which post I now hold.
It is with unfeigned regret, that I find myself compelled to take this step during the of my country’s imminent peril; but the labors, the exposures,and the watchings of the past six months’ service here, have made such inroads on my health, that it is evident I can no longer perform the severe duties of a Captain of Infantry, either creditably to myself, or effectively for my country. In such case, honor and patriotism alike demand, that the sword I am no longer able to wield with due energy, I resign to stronger hands. (Please find Surgeon’s Certificate enclosed.)
Praying for my Country’s Early and Honorable Peace through Victory over her Insolent Foes,
I have the Honor to be, Sir,
Very Respectfully
Your Most Obd’t Serv’t,
Ira Sayles,
Capt. Comdg Co H, 130 Reg’t, N.Y. S. Vols
Shoots, Roots, and Leaves 
2 replies on “A Civil Word”
Love the use of “insolent foes”!
Ira Sayles was a prolific writer, and this letter is one of my favorites. He was a self-educated man who became a professor and educational leader in Allegany County, New York, a hot bed of abolition. I hold hope that someday I will uncover more letters that explain what he did once he resigned his sword “to stronger hands”. Thanks for stopping by! ~~Kay