Maine Memory Network

Contributed by Maine Historical Society

Description

Pvt. Charles L. Billings of Co. G, 12th Regiment Maine Volunteers, who was 20 when he enlisted in November 1861, wrote to Col. George F. Shepley, commander of the 3rd Brigade and military governor of Louisiana, seeking help in getting a commission.

Billings, of Waterford, wrote that he was "striving to get an education which would fit me for some sphere of usefulness in society" when he enlisted, but had limited means and therefore was unable to advance much. He told Shepley he felt qualified for a commission or some position that would help him advance.

He wrote, "could I not serve my country as well and do much better for myself if I had a chance?"

He wrote to Shepley because he had enlisted in Shepley's regiment, the 12th Maine.

View/Add Comments

Transcription

view a full transcription

---

About This Item

• Title: Letter from private seeking commission, New Orleans, 1861
• Creator: Charles L. Billings
• Creation Date: 1862-08-29
• Subject Date: 1861
• Location: New Orleans, LA
• Media: Ink on paper
• Dimensions: 21.5 cm x 13 cm
• Local Code: Coll. 117, Box 1/9
• Collection: George Foster Shepley papers
• Object Type: Text

---

Cross Reference Searches

Standardized Subject Headings

• Military promotions
• Military service, Voluntary
• Military service--1860-1870
• Recruiting and enlistment
• United States. Army. Maine Infantry Regiment, 12th (1861-1864)
• Maine--Civil War, 1861-1865
• Career plateaus
• United States--Civil War, 1861-1865

People

• Billings, Charles L.
• Shepley, George F.

---

For more information about this item, contact:

Maine Historical Society
485 Congress Street, Portland, ME 04101
(207) 774-1822 x230
Website

---

---

Please post your comment below to share with others. If you'd like to privately share a comment or correction with MMN staff, please send us a message with this link.