4 March 1862: “I desire a position in your company if you, and your men think me worthy of it, either 1st, 2nd, or 3rd Lieutenancy…”

Item description: Letter, 4 March 1862, from John Riggs to John Richardson in which Riggs is seeking a commission as a lieutenant in Richardson’s company (company L of the 41st Mississippi Infantry Regiment). According to service records, it appears that Riggs did not receive his commission, as he as listed as an enlisted man for the period of his service.  Soon after this letter, on 21 May 1862, Captain Richardson was killed at Bridge Creek, Miss.

Item citation: From folder 48 of the Chiliab Smith Howe Papers #3092, Southern Historical Collection, The Wilson Library, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Item transcription:

Randolph, Miss. Mch. 4th/62

Capt. Richardson,

Sir, After Respects, etc. I desire a position in your company if you, and your men think me worthy of it, either 1st, 2nd, or 3rd Lieutenancy, but would of choice prefer the 2nd. My health is good, and I think I am as able to stand a campaign as a great many who are now in service. The Surgeon who discharged me Received others who were in a great deal worse condition than me.

A large portion of your company are acquainted with me and if you have officers to elect (as I understand you have) and you are willing for me to go in your company run my name for one of the offices mentioned and the bearer of this (Mr. Sykes) will let me hear the result.

Yours Respectfully,

Jno. A. Riggs

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