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
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