Benjamin B. Tegram to Allen C. Fuller

Hd Qrs Co "C" 106th Ills Intry Vol

Pine Bluff Ark Nov 19th 1864

Allen C. Fuller

Adjt General's Office

Springfield Ills

Sir

I have the honor to make the following statement regarding promotions in this Regt. The promotion of Maj J. M. Hurt to Lieut Col. vacated the Major position: Several applications were made, one publicly the other privately, for that position. Neither of those applicants could properly claim the position, without establishing proper reasons to bar my promotion. The question is one of rank.

When the regiment was first organized, the respective Companies, were lettered and assigned; and the rank designated by letter, was never disputed for the first two years of service; but when the question of promotion by rank became settled; they claimed the ranks (as the commission bear the Same date, which was issued to the Capts at the organization of the Reg't) and disputed the rank as established by assignment & letter. But promo

tions had been made in accordance with the former assignment. I have commanded the Regt, in the absence of the Field Officers, undisputedly, since our entrance into the Service, Some of the Officer proceeded to decide the rank by lot. But there is no Order in Hd Qrs of the Reg't, from Any Commanding Officer, establishing such decision. It is therefore, null and void, and the original lettering and assignment is the only proper decision of Rank.

The death of Lieut Col J. M. Hurt leaves another vacancy to be filled. Considering my claims as ranking officer just, and in accordance with military customs, I present my claims for the position of Lieut Col. trusting that Speedy actions will be taken in the case, I submit it for your consideration.

I would also recommend David Vanhise Capt Co "D" to be appointed and Commissioned Major of this Regt. [vice?] Hurt promoted.

I am. Sir

Very Respectfully Your

Obedient Servant

Benj. B. Pegram Capt.

Company "C" 106th Ills Infty vol.

Field 106th

Hd Qrs 106th Ills Vol Infantry

Pine Bluff Ark Nov 21st 1864

Pegram

Benjamin B. Capt

Has the honor to make statement, regarding promotions in this Regt. States reason for claiming to be the Ranking Officer of the Reg't and presents his Claims for promotion to Lieut Col. vice Hurt Dec---Also recommends David Vanhise Capt Co "D" for promotion to Maj vice Hurt promoted.

One Enclosure

A. G. O. Dec 13, 1864