John Lord Otis, Colonel 10th Connecticut Infantry letter signed to Major R. S. Davis, Asst. Adgt. Genl., Dept. of VA & NC, 2 pages, 4to.:

"Head Quarters 10th Regt. C. V. 

North Bend, Henrico Co. Va.

June 24, 1864

Major,

Owing to absence upon detached service, sickness, and other legitimate causes, less than half the number of commissioned officers which belong upon the roll of a regiment is now present with this command for duty. The active serves in which we are engaged renders it a matter of pressing need that a part, at least, of the existing vacancies should be filled, although the companies to be officered are not sufficiently full to meet the requirements of present orders in regard to muster.

Second Lieutenant H. K. Parsons and William J. Broatch have been commissioned by his Excellency Governor Buckingham and believing that the efficiency of the regiment would be promoted by their being assigned to duty in that capacity.

I respectfully request that an order may be issued for this muster into the service of the United States as Second Lieutenant of Companies A & K which member respectfully in the aggregates, seventy two and sixty eight.

The first lieutenant of the former of these is an aide upon the staff of Brig. Gen. Terry. The later has no captains and its first lieutenant is in hospital at Washington, disabled by an accident which will render him permanently unfit for duty....J. L. Otis, Col. Comdg, 10th Regt. C.V."

On the back page there are various endorsements including Alfred Terry [Maj.General, USA (CT). Cited for capture of Ft. Fisher. Noted Indian fighter with Custer]., W. T. H. Brooks [(1821-70), Major General, USA (OH). Participated in the Peninsula campaign, Seven Days, Antietam (WIA), Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, and Cold Harbor],  & of the Colonel of 11th Maine Infantry Harris M. Plaisted (later Major Brevet General).

Very Fine.