“Camp Lyon” July 18th 61
Col Curtis
Dear Sir.
An opportunity offering to send you a word I embrace it. Enclosed is a petition for your appointment as Brig. Genl. Capt Huston1 undertook to engineer it thro’ & as we all supposed sent it a week ago: he didn’t do it however & Lieut Archer2 this day handed me to send you. ‘Twill reach you too late doubtless for any purpose. ‘Twont make any material difference I apprehend as no one would doubt the desire of your own Reg’t to see you promoted.
I don’t know of any very anxious aspirant to the Reg’t for position should your post become vacant except Lieut Col Tuttle & Capt Huston. Both are evidently alarmed. Col T from Maj Crocker, Capt H from some quarter.
The Reg’t are enthusiastic in their preferences [for] Maj. Crocker over Col T. In relation to myself as prospective Candidate for Major I can only say that for some reason, I’m fearful not by merit, (for my position as adj’t necessarily wouldn’t develop qualities for Major) an idea prevails that I deserve promotion, which I by no means discourage, very modestly however holding myself back. Since you left I have had a great deal to do not legitimately belonging to my office, bringing me in contact with all the Regt & instead of my going to the Col to learn everything as when you were here, the scale is somewhat reversed, & I am made a kind of general intelligencer. I hope you may find that your humble adjutant hasn’t gone aside from a modest discharge of his duty whatever else he may have done major [before] hand. But leaving this matter I desire only to urge upon your attention one thing which above all others I feel a deep interest in. That is the elevation of Major Crocker to the Colencey.
As I was more than enthusiastic to secure you as our Col, if we have to lose you, the reputation of the Reg’t its effectiveness demand some one as its leader beside Col T–. And be the sacrifice what it may I will make it to secure some one else. I ought not to talk so perhaps but you will pardon. Let me cite an instance of his generalship. He led an expedition to Maryville East of Savannah, 3 companies, from the information which led to the detachment’s going only, he had every reason to expect to meet 600 rebels. In the march from Savannah to Maryville a distance of 30 miles, he allowed his Command to string out for 5 miles, Cos intermingling weary men dropping off in force [?] [illegible] & the Col some time a half mile in advance, alone, this is an example but I don’t want to always be found complaining. I will support him cordially in a military way if chosen over us, but sincerely hope I many never have to. I must close hastily–Cars about to leave.
I regret to send you tidings of the death of Lieut Strong3 Co “E”–died today–brain fever–was sick but few days–we have sustained a severe loss in him. He was a gentleman of modest attainm’ts, amiable, strongly endeared to his company. We all feel deeply the loss.
Health of Camp is pretty good. I am enquired of a hundred times a day when is Col Coming home. You are tho’t of continually.
Your good letter was rec’d yesterday & did me much good.
Truly
N P Chipman
1. Richard H. Huston. Keokuk, appointed Capt. Co. A, 2nd Iowa Inf. May 27, 1861, resigned Sept. 3, 1862, for disability.
2. Sampson M. Archer. Keokuk, 2nd. Lt. 2nd Iowa Inf., resigned Oct. 8, 1861, elected Capt. Co. C, 17th Iowa Inf. March 25. 1862, major, Jan. 23, 1863, lt. col. June 3, 1863, col. June 12, 1865.
3. George Strong, Fairfield, Iowa, 1st It., Co. E., May 28. 1861. died July 18, 1861, St. Joseph, Mo.