SIR: The friends of Colonel Robert Cowdin of the First Massachusetts
Regiment, now acting Brigadier-General of Hooker's Division, are very
desirous that he should receive the appointment of Brigadier-General
of Volunteers. He is so highly recommended by General Hooker upon
purely military grounds, and by the Mayor and City Council of Boston,
who have long known him intimately, and with whom he has served in
both branches, that there can be no question as to his character or
capacity. Added to this testimony is the practical commentary
furnished by the high character for discipline and efficiency
attained by Colonel Cowdin's Regiment, and which it is understood
characterizes the entire Brigade of which Colonel Cowdin is now in
command. The appointment of Colonel Cowdin to a Brigadier-Generalship
would seem to be from public consideration one of the best that could
be made. This is a consideration which at this time cannot fail to
prove potent with Your Excellency. I take pleasure in requesting your
special attention to General Hooker's letter, of which a printed copy
is appended. The appointment of Colonel Cowdin will be to me
_personally_ a source of high gratification.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
GEORGE OPDYKE.
This letter was given to Senator Sumner, with the request that he should
immediately present it to the President in person, which he agreed to do;
but it was kept back by him, from his own acknowledgment, for more than
eight months; the reason is best known to himself; but it is presumed,
however, that Senator Wilson advised him not to present it, and informed
him, as he had two of my personal friends, (he taking them to be
otherwise,) that my case was closed, and that _he_ had closed it for me.
During the winter, Senator Wilson was in Boston, and the subject of my
promotion was discussed in the Republican Headquarters, when he made a
public declaration, in the presence of several gentlemen, that I could not
be confirmed by the Senate even if I was appointed. I continued in command
of the Brigade until the 19th of February, when I was relieved, by
Brig.-Gen. Henry M. Naglee, an officer of distinguished ability. He has
since, as I am informed, been mustered out of the service for his
political opinions. On or about the 20th of September, Hon. John P. Hale,
Senator from New Hampshire, seeing the injustice that had been done me,
laid my case before the President, and requested him to appoint me. The
President told him that no more appointments could be made, except for
distinguished conduct in the field. Mr. Hale then related the engagements
I had been in, and particularly mentioned that of Williamsburg; and in
about four days from that time I received my appointment, of which the
following is a copy:--
_War Department, Washington, Sept. 26, 1862._
SIR: You are hereby informed that the President of the United States
has appointed you, for distinguished conduct at the battle of
Williamsburg, Brigadier-General of Volunteers in the service of the
United States, to rank as such from the twenty-sixth day of
September, one thousand eight hundred and sixty-two. Should the
Senate, at their next session, advise and consent thereto, you will
be commissioned accordingly.
Immediately on receipt hereof please to communicate to this
Department, through the Adjutant-General of the Army, your acceptance
or non-acceptance, and with your letter of acceptance return the oath
herewith enclosed, properly filled up, subscribed and attested, and
report your age, birthplace, and the State of which you were a
permanent resident.
You will report for duty to the General-in-Chief, U. S. A., in person
for orders.
EDWIN M. STANTON, _Secretary of War_.
BRIGADIER-GENERAL ROBERT COWDIN, U. S. Volunteers.
On the 30th of September I was sworn into office as Brigadier-General of
Volunteers, and immediately assigned to the 2d Brigade, Abercrombie's
Division, composed entirely of new troops, which I continued to drill and
discipline until the 30th of March, when I was relieved of my command by
the following order:--
_Headquarters, Abercrombie's Division,
Arlington House, Va., March 30, 1863._
General Order No. 13.
1. Brigadier-General Robert Cowdin is hereby relieved from the
command of the 2d Brigade of this Division. Col. Burr Porter, 40th
Mass. Vols., will assume command.
2. In parting with Brigadier-General Cowdin the General commanding
the Division desires to compliment him on the efficiency to which the
troops under his command have arrived. He feels assured that soldiers
so well managed in camp would have been equally well led in the
field, where he regrets that he must be deprived of General Cowdin's
valuable services.
By order of BRIG.-GEN. ABERCROMBIE.