Richard Yates to John E. Rosette

June 24th [186]4.

John E Rosette Esqr.

Springfield Ills.

Dear Sir:

In reply to inquiry made concerning promotions in Springfield Artillery Capt Vaughn I have to state that Officers were commissioned for this battery as follows:

T. F. Vaughn Capt. Edwd. B Stelling Sr. 1st Lieut.

Henry D Colby, Jr 1st Lt. Chas W Thomas Sr. 2nd Lt.

Louis D. Rosette Jr. 2nd Lieut.

The designation of Senior & Junior Lieutenants was adopted at the commencement of the organization of our Artillery forces and were recognized by the War Department. The propriety of such designation

was first questioned by Lieut Knox Commissary of Musters for 17th Army Corps. in the case of Lieut Cunningham of Battery D. 1st Artillery in Oct 1863, and subsequently the War Dept sustained him, and decided that no such designation was recognized. Before this decision it was supposed that a Junior 1st succeeded to a Senior 1st Lieut. in line of promotion. This is not so now. and Seconds only succeed to 1st Lieutenants. In the case now under consideration it appears that the vacancy occasioned by Sr. 1st Lieut Stellings resignation, cannot be filled by promoting Jr. 1st Lt. Colby, because it would be no promotion. One of the 2nd Lieutenants could however be promoted to that vacancy and a Sergt. promoted to fill the vacancy of 2 Lieut Thomas, according to the principle

adopted at the organization, is entitled to that promotion

Yours Respectfully,

Richd Yates

Governor