1863 Civil War State of Ohio Letter to 7th Ohio Soldier Regarding His Enlistment

Description

This short December 1863 letter was written by G. J. Young, aide-de-camp to Ohio Governor David Tod, in reply to a request by Reuben W. Walters, a private in the 7th Ohio Infantry. The letter states that “the War Dept. have decided that men cannot enlist for the unexpired term of a regt and unless this decision is revoked those who have entered your regt since its organization will be held for the three years for which they enlisted.” Walters was no doubt inquiring as to his own situation. While the 7th Ohio was formed in the spring and summer of 1861, Walters had not enlisted until August 1862. While most of the men would return home, Walters and other who had enlisted later would be transferred to other outfits. In Walters’s case, he was transferred to the 5th Ohio in October 1864 and served with that regiment until being discharged due to disability in March 1865.
The letter was written on a single side of a lined sheet of paper measuring about 5” x 8”. Very good condition with light toning and creases at the original mailing folds.
State of Ohio
Executive Department
Columbus Dec 15th 1863
Mr. R. W. Walters 7th O.V.I.
Wauhatchie Tenn.
Dear Sir
I am directed by the Governor in reply to yours of the 7th inst. just received, that the War Dept. have decided that men cannot enlist for the unexpired term of a regt and unless this decision is revoked those who have entered your regt since its organization will be held for the three years for which they enlisted.
Respectfully Yours
G. J. Young
A.D.C. &c. to Gov. Tod
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