Rufus Crockett Transcript

3rd Reg’t. Me. Vols.
Camp Pitcher Va. Jan. 16th 1863
Gov. Coburn

Sir,
Your Excellency must excuse my boldness in addressing you personally, but as I do to beg a personal favour. I hope to be excused on that ground I enlisted in this Regt. Co. B.. when it was first raised and I have faithfully performed my duty as a private, Corpl and as Sergeant. I have been in every Battle which the Regt has been in and how well I have discharged my duty while under fire, I leave others to tell you. I have done all the business of the Co. since our first Battle at Bull Run,, and have acted as 1st Sergt for months at a time while the proper Sergt. was absent sick or wounded. I have lost all my little family during my absence, which has been a hard blow, with my other duties it has at times been a hard burden to bear. Our Capt. (Bachelder) has been dismissed leaving a vacancy and I feel deserving and competent to have a commission that Col. may have his favorite but I can stand erect and say that by Right it belongs to me I could get references to send you but I shall consider unnecessary Hon. J. L. Stevens of Augusta will inform you as to my Worthiness.

I do not apply for a commission for the Honor it brings, but to somewhat lighten my load on the march, and increase my pay which I much need, continued service in the field for twenty months has somewhat broken me down in health. All things considered I hope your Excellency will hear my petition and help me by granting the same. And you never shall have cause that you conferred a great favor on

Your Humble Serv’t.
Rufus  Y. Crockett.
2nd Sergt Co. B.. 3rd Maine