Request for Commission

Eli had served most of his first year in various capacities with the sick and wounded as a Private. He then saw his chance to do better when the Army began recruiting for and forming regiments of "colored troops" in the area of Nashville, Tennessee where he was performing duty with the 125th Illinois Infantry. The officers of these new regiments would be white, except for a few rare documented exceptions. Thus, he submitted his written request in September 1863 to meet the medical examining board for appointment as an Assistant Surgeon. His request was accompanied by a recommendation from Assistant Surgeon C. W. Mills of the 125th Illinois in Charge of the Convalescent Camp. It would take another 6 months but he was finally appointed in March of 1864.

Eli's Request
Handwritten


Typed Transcription
Convalescent Camp Nashville Tenn. Sept. the 29th 1863 Dr. Perrin Medical director Department of the Cumberland Sir: I wish an appointment as Assistant Surgeon of some one of the Colored Regiments now forming in this Department. I would respectfully state that I have been a practicing Physician for five years previous to Enlistment. Please direct to me in care of Surgeon in Charge Convalescent Camp. Very respectfully Your obt. servant Eli M. Hewitt Co. I 125th Regt Ill Vol Inft

Recommendation by superior
Handwritten


Typed Transcription
Convalescent Camp Nashville Tenn. Sept. 29th 1863 Dr. Perrin - Med Director Department of the Cumberland Sir:- I have the honor to report to you that Eli M. Hewitt a private of Co I 125th Ill Vols has performed the duties of an Asst. Surgeon at various times both in his regiment ; and in this Camp __ with benefit to the Service and credit to himself as a physician. __ I would respectfully request that he be order & sent to report for an examination with reference to an appointment as an Asst. Surgeon of a Colored Regiment. Very Respectfully Your Obedient Servant C. W. Mills 1st Asst Surgeon 125 Ill Vols in Charge of Camp