Collected Works of Abraham Lincoln. Volume 6 [Dec. 13, 1862-Nov. 3, 1863].

Annotation

[1]   ADfS, DLC-RTL. Rosecrans' telegram of March 16 is as follows: ``The Secretary of War telegraphed after the battle of Stone's River: `Anything you and your command want you can have.' I asked that paymasters like other staff officers, should serve with the troops in the field. It was not granted. I then asked as a personal favor that my commission should date from December, 1861. It was not granted. I then asked that Major [Charles T.] Larned, chief paymaster of this department, might be left here, and not removed, as I have reason to believe he has been, to gratify the spleen of Colonel [Timothy P.] Andrews, who hates him on account of his dislike of the old Colonel [Benjamin F.] Larned. That was refused. When I asked that the major might stay to expedite the payment of the troops, Major [Charles M.] Terrell being then sick, that was not granted. Now I find an aide has been appointed, whom, having once recommended, I requested not to be appointed, because he went off on a spree the very night after I told him I had recommended him, hoping that he would at least quit drinking.

``After telegraphing the withdrawal, and explaining to his brother-in-law, Col. Donn Piatt, the reason, I nominated R[obert] S. Thoms, esq., a young lawyer of Cincinnati, who, paying his own way, served at the battle of Stone's

River with as much gallantry and effect as any one of the staff. This request was disregarded, and an aide appointed in spite of my request. . . .'' (OR, I, XXIII, II, 146-47).

Rosecrans' appointment as major general took effect as of March 21, 1862, Grant's, as of February 16, 1862. Robert S. Thoms' nomination as captain and aide-de-camp had gone to the Senate under date of February 26, 1863, but the nomination incorrectly gave his name as ``Thomas.'' He was appointed as of April 25, 1863. The appointment of Donn Piatt's brother-in-law, Byron Kirby, as captain and aide-de-camp to Rosecrans was confirmed by the Senate on March 11.