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- Mar 18, 2011
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I found this great letter in the Compiled Service Record of Major Mack J. Leaming of the 6th Tennessee Cavalry U.S. - the major wanted to go home to marry his betrothed, and he was very eloquent in how he phrased his request:
Camp 6' Tenn. Cavalry
2nd Brig. 6' Div. Cavalry Corps M.D.M.
Pulaski, Tenn. 15th May 1865
To
Brig. Genl. W.D. Whipple
A.A.G. and Chief of Staff D of C
General:
I have the honor respectfully to represent that early in the present war for the Union I enlisted as a private soldier and since then have won, fairly, I think, my present position. I have never had "Leave of Absence" or been absent from duty save from severe wounds received in the battle of Fort Pillow on the 12' April, 1864.
Previous to entering the Army I made a promise to a certain lady, who, among these commendable qualities of both head and heart, was then as she is now – truly and unconditionally for the Union. It is alone for the purpose of redressing this pledge that I now respectfully request a Leave of Absence for (20) twenty days.
My regiment is dismounted and under the existing state of military affairs I think my services can be spared for the time above mentioned without detriment to the service. As the gigantic rebellion now lies prostrate at our feet and as every prospect appears to indicate a speedy return of peace with the Union restored, I earnestly hope that I may not at this time be denied the privilege of proving my integrity to the Union which I desire to secure by redeeming the promise I made before entering the ranks of the army.
Sincerely trusting that this application will receive your early and favorable consideration,
I am,
General,
Very Respectfully,
Your Obt. Servt.,
Mack J. Leaming
Maj., 6' Tenn. Cav.
Major Leamings' request was approved, and he did marry his sweetheart, Maria Louise Buck. Sadly they only had three years together; Maria died on September 27, 1868, and is buried in Oakland Cemetery, St. Paul, Minnesota. Major Leaming later remarried and had four children with his second wife, Louisa F. Davison. Leaming died August 8, 1893 while on a camping trip, and his obituary stated that it was thought that the weather aggravated the old war wound he had received at Fort Pillow. The major is also buried in Oakland Cemetery in St. Paul. I could only find one very small picture of Leaming which I have attached to this post.
Camp 6' Tenn. Cavalry
2nd Brig. 6' Div. Cavalry Corps M.D.M.
Pulaski, Tenn. 15th May 1865
To
Brig. Genl. W.D. Whipple
A.A.G. and Chief of Staff D of C
General:
I have the honor respectfully to represent that early in the present war for the Union I enlisted as a private soldier and since then have won, fairly, I think, my present position. I have never had "Leave of Absence" or been absent from duty save from severe wounds received in the battle of Fort Pillow on the 12' April, 1864.
Previous to entering the Army I made a promise to a certain lady, who, among these commendable qualities of both head and heart, was then as she is now – truly and unconditionally for the Union. It is alone for the purpose of redressing this pledge that I now respectfully request a Leave of Absence for (20) twenty days.
My regiment is dismounted and under the existing state of military affairs I think my services can be spared for the time above mentioned without detriment to the service. As the gigantic rebellion now lies prostrate at our feet and as every prospect appears to indicate a speedy return of peace with the Union restored, I earnestly hope that I may not at this time be denied the privilege of proving my integrity to the Union which I desire to secure by redeeming the promise I made before entering the ranks of the army.
Sincerely trusting that this application will receive your early and favorable consideration,
I am,
General,
Very Respectfully,
Your Obt. Servt.,
Mack J. Leaming
Maj., 6' Tenn. Cav.
Major Leamings' request was approved, and he did marry his sweetheart, Maria Louise Buck. Sadly they only had three years together; Maria died on September 27, 1868, and is buried in Oakland Cemetery, St. Paul, Minnesota. Major Leaming later remarried and had four children with his second wife, Louisa F. Davison. Leaming died August 8, 1893 while on a camping trip, and his obituary stated that it was thought that the weather aggravated the old war wound he had received at Fort Pillow. The major is also buried in Oakland Cemetery in St. Paul. I could only find one very small picture of Leaming which I have attached to this post.
Bringing the