W. W. Welch to W. Kirk

With W. Kirk letter 5/13/64

LaSalle Ills.

Apl. 14. 1864

Dr. W. Kirk

Snicarte Ills

Dr. Sir:

Your favor of 4th inst is just received. I recollect you perfectly. Was pleased that you were still in the land of the living & that the fire of your patriotism had not gone out. I do not see how any good & true man can feel otherwise, in these times, than that it is his bounden duty to devote himself to the common cause - the cause of our common country

Nevertheless, I cannot give you any such assurances as to employment in hospital as you make a condition of reentering the service. I have no power, myself, beyond my own regiment, and in that all vacancies have been filled. Beyond that all I could do would be merely in recommendation. I am perfectly willing to certify you for such position, if the particular place can be fixed upon. General recommendations are not of much account, you know, in such cases

(My observations the past 3 years convince me that the best way to get a good position in the army is to go in to the first place that offers - as well a private soldier as anything -- & then watch chances to rise; taking care always to perform evey duty with promptness & fidelity. I know multitudes of commissioned officers, of all grades, who thus began. The larger portion of the present line officers of the 53d Ills. began thus. The common saying contains truth: "Pitch in & take your chances")

Our regiment, as you know, is home on veteran furlough; which gives me the opportunity of a visit to my home here (LaSalle) The time has nearly expired: the regiment will rendezvous at Ottawa about the 20th & according to recent orders, will start for the front very soon thereafter

Yrs Truly

W. W. Welch

P.S. It is customary when writing to a person upon business of your own to enclose a stamp to pay return postage. A single stamp does not amount to much but by multiplication makes quite a tax after a while