S. A. Turchin to Richard Yates

Head Quarters, 2nd Cavalry Division

Army of Cumberland, Murfreesboro Tenn.

May 15th 1863.

Sir

I would recommend to your Excellency Norman F. Gassette, private of Co. A, 19th regnt Ill Vols, to be commissioned as a Lieutenant in some one of the Ill regnts, as there is no vacancy in his own company. He has been given a complimentary commission by you as 1st Lieutenant of Ill Vols & has been acting as volunteer aid de camp on my staff.

Any thing done for him will be considered as a personal favor.

Very respectfully

I remain Sir

Your Obt Ser

S.B. Turchin

Brigr Genl Commdg 2nd Cav. &c &c &c

His Excellency

Richard Yates

Governor of the state of Ills

I cheerfully endorse the above recommendation

W B Curtis

Capt [illegible]

2 Cav Div. Dept [illegible]

And so do I. C.H. Ray.

Chicago May 23/1863

I have known N.B. Gassett for many years and know him to be worthy and competent for the position he wishes and endorse Col Turchins request in every particular

J.K. Pollan

Post Office Chicago May 23rd

Mr Gassette held a clerkship in this office for some months. He is a young gentlemen of ability, of far more than ordinary energy, and possessed of a strong natural taste for the profession of Arms. I should be personally much gratified to know that he has been appointed to a position for which he is fitted, and where he would be able to render his country valuable service.

J.L. Scripps

I fully concur in all that is said above

G.B. Armstrong

File “T.”

S B Turchin

Brig Genl Comdg Cavalry Brigade

Murfreesboro May 13 1863.

Recommending Norman T. Gassette, private of Co A 19th Regt to be commissioned a Lieut in some Ill Regt there being no vacancy in his company has been acting as Volunteer aid on his staff.

Recd Ex O. May 29 1863.