Camp 27th Ky. M I
Near. Cumberland Gap
3^d Feby 1864
Gov Thos. E. Bramlette

Frankfort. Ky
Sir

As I wrote you before I am much displeased with the way Genl Foster proposes to conduct things in this command, am therefore willing to accept the position of Col of one of the State Regts, if they are to be organized & officered on true miletary principles — and to be a force the State may well be proud of, —

I am the senior "LtCol" Ky has — and perhaps the senior in the army, I think you will find on inquiry of those under whom I have served — that I am a good tactician — a good deciplinarian — and that few if any officers in the army have ^been^ more constantly with their commands — or more attentive & energetic in the discharge of their duties, when present.

I would ask for a "leave of Absence" & come to see what could be done, — But suppose I could not get one just now, because Mjr Magruder is absent

in Ky on sick leave. He may return soon however & if he does — I will apply for a leave. In the mean time I hope my friends will do what they can for me.

Gov I wrote you sometime ago about when this Regt would be mustered out. — & have heard nothing in reply.

I deem this a matter of vital importance to the Regt — because the men have been accustomed to consider their time out 20^th Oct 64 and if not informed of the contrary soon no power can save them. They think they have borne enough allready & I fear greatly a decision against what has all along been their impression.
'
It makes more difference with us than any other Regt, because all though many many enlisted in Sept' 61, The time at the organization of the Cos was agreed to be averaged at 12 Oct & for those recruited byCol Pennebaker at 20 Oct. Exspecting to be mustered out on 20 Oct, 64 & so we understood Mjr Sidell the U. S. mustering officer, when we were mustered in. Besides we were just as ready for muster in Dec 61 as in March, 62 — and it was not our fault but missfortune that we were not mustered sooner.

For the credit of the state & Regt I hope you will use every effort to get this matter arranged soon and let us know. — for if we have to serve

3 years from Muster in toU. S. service — we ought to Know it. At any rate it appears to me that the U. S. ought to take us from state muster in Jan 62.

Kind regards to all friends
Your &c
J. H. Ward
Lt. Col. 27^th Ky Infty