Item No. 0624299

In this September 1861 autograph letter signed by Joseph B. Carr, the 2nd New York colonel writes to New York Governor Edwin D. Morgan to recommend the promotion of LeRoy McLean to the rank of surgeon. The regiment’s former surgeon Reed B. Bontecou had been promoted to brigade surgeon, leaving a vacancy. On the reverse, Dr. Bontecou endorses and signs the recommendation.

Joseph B. Carr would become an important brigade commander in the Army of the Potomac’s 3rd Corps. He was distinguished for gallantry at Malvern Hill and Gettysburg, and later was a division commander in the Army of the James.

A native of Troy, New York, Dr. Reed B. Bontecou had an extensive medical and scientific resume before the Civil War. After his promotion mention in Carr’s letter, he became surgeon in charge of Washington’s Harewood General Hospital, one of the war’s largest medical facilities. He resumed his private practice in Troy in 1866.

LeRoy McLean, also from Troy, served through the 2nd New York’s two-year term, and mustered out with the regiment in May 1863.

The letter was written on a 7 1/2” x 8 1/2” letter sheet. Creased at the original folds. The full transcript appears below.

Head Quarters 2nd Reg’t N.Y. Vols
Camp Butler, Newport News Va.
September 22nd 1861

To His Excellency
Edwin D. Morgan
Gov’r of St. of N.Y.

Sir:—
I have the honor to recommend the promotion of Assistant Surgeon, Lieut. LeRoy McLean—vice Reed B. Bontecou promoted to Brigade Surgeon—to date from the 15th September 1861.
I have the honor to be, Sir,
Your most obdt. Servt.
Jos. B. Carr
Col.

Turn over

Camp Butler Va.
Sept 23d 1861

I cheerfully recommend the appointment of Dr. McLean as surgeon of the 2d Regt. N.Y.S.V.
Reed B. Bontecou M.D.
Brigade Surgeon