Lebanon Marion CoKy
May 15^th 1863
To his Excellency
The Governor of the State of Ky,

The undersigned would respectfully represent that on the 12^th day of October 1861 he Joined at Camp Kenton Mason Co Ky the 16th Regemint Ky Vol. Infantry Col Charles A, Marshall Since which time he has been serving with Said Regiment except when on detached service, The testimonials of all the Field and lLine Officers of the Regiment can be procured certifying that I have always cheerfully and promptly discharged all the duties devolved upon me either in the capacity of a soldier or otherwise, ^,and speaking of my capacity to perform all duties of an officer^ During my connection with the Regt, I have at various times been connected with the Quarter-masters Dept, and with the Head Quarters of Commandants of Brigades in the capacity of Clerk and have thus obtained a tolerable knowledge of the routine and minutiae of military matters, I am anor was a Lawyer at the breaking

of this rebellion a practicing Lawyer in Flemingsburg Ky, I am heart & soul in favor of putting the traitors down; and I want to go where I can do most to aid in this much to be desired end. I honestly believe that if I had the proper authority I could recruit one or more companies of men to go to make up the Twenty thousand promised by our noble state. What I desire to know is what steps to take to procure such authority; and for this reason I have presumed to address you, It is Evident that if I can enlist 100 men for service that I will be doing more good than as a single individual in the ranks. I confess that I have ambition but it is a laudlable one that of seeing rebellion crushed and our country at peace once more I am a maternal nephew of your county man Joseph B. Kenney and would refer you to him

Any favor which you may be pleased to do me in this matter will be remembered with gratitude May I hope to hear from you on the subject at an early day.

Your Obt Svt
Charles E Johnson

Military
Chs E. Johnston asks to recruit [comny]

give him a recruiting commission 45th Regt. Mounted Rifles and forward commission

J. W. F

45^'mounted Infantry

com iss^d & forward May 26/63
C H

20.000
45^' Infy