Mills Recommendation

Web Author's Notes:

This is a letter written to the governor of Ohio by the regimental commander, Lt. Colonel Philip Kershner, recommending Maj. Milton Mills for promotion to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel of the regiment. The regiment was stationed at Indianola, Texas, on Matagorda Bay, at this time. Mills did not receive the promotion and resigned two weeks later, on February 12, 1864, due to ill health.

This document was among the papers of Maj. Milton Mills and was handed down through his family.

Lt. Col. Philip Kershner

Maj. Milton Mills

Gov. John Brough

image from Harper's Weekly, December 26, 1863

Head Quarters, 16th Regt. Ohio Vol Inftry.

Indianola Texas, January 28th 1864

His Excellency, John Brough

Governor of Ohio

Governor -

I have the

honor to request, in the event of a vacancy of Lieut Col in the 16th Regt. O.V.I., that Milton Mills, now Major, be promoted to fill said vacancy.

Major Mills is a gallant and meritorious officer, and is in every way competent to discharge the duties of the position for which he is recommended. He has been constantly in the service since the 20th of April 1861, has been in many of the bloodiest battles of the war, and has always acquitted himself with honor and credit, and to the satisfaction of his superior officers.

I am,

Governor-

Respectfully your obedient Servant

Philip Kershner

Lieut. Col Comdg.