Edwin Powell to Richard Yates

"Camp Douglas"

Chicago Ill Aug 28th 1861

Dear Sir.

I observe from my commission as surgeon of the 42d Regt Ills Vols that I am ranked as Captain.

I believe I am entitled to rank as Major.

The rank of a surgeon of a regiment while in the State Service is that of Captain, but when mustered into the U.S. Service the rank is changed to that of Major and as the 42d Regt of Ills Vols is mustered directly into the U.S. Service I think I may justly claim the rank as Major.

Will you please

inform me if my information is correct - and if so forward a commission, ranking me as Major.

Respectfully

Edwin Powell

Surgeon 42d Regt Ills Vols.

Hon Richard Yates

Gov. Ills. &c.

Powell, Edwin

Surgeon 42d Regt

About Rank as Captain