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Jan 23^rd [...]4
His Excellency
Tho^s E. Bramlette
Governor of Ky.
Frankfort- Ky.
Governor.

In response to the communication of Lt. John N. M^cIntire- Co "F"- 24^th Ky. Vols- tendering his resignation because of Capt. T. J. Bush^s appointment, and bearing several endorsements — enclosed to your Excellency — and referred to this office, I make the following statement:

T. J. Bush was commissioned 1^st Lieut- 24^th Ky. Vols on 30^th Dec. 1861 — but never assigned to a company. Being assigned to the only exisiting vacancy when the matter was laid before this Department on 3^rd Sept. 1863 — it was found that he was the ranking officer of the Co. by nearly one year — Lieut M^cIntire having been commissioned Nov. 8^th 1862 — and he was consequently commissioned as Captain. Attention was called to this matter by Brig. Gen. Boyle- then comm'd'g Dist. of Ky. who pronounced Bush a meritorious officer. The date of his

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commission as Lieut — being the oldest officer of his rank in the Regiment- and unassigned to a company- justified his promotion above those whom he ranked. It is not within the province of this Department to enquire if each officer remains with his command, or is doing service in some other way. It is presumed if he is on detached duty- his commanding officers think he can best serve the cause by being so detached. We, at least, have no decision in the matter, and cannot be responsible for the results.

As to the paltry and indelicate insinuation that political reasons influenced the promotion of Bush, it is scarcely necessary to pronounce it false — his promotion was made on the recommendation of his commanding officer, and because he was in the direct line for promotion. Had an officer of inferior rank been exalted above him such charge might indeed have received color from the fact.

Respectfully
Your ob't Serv't
John Boyle
Adjt. Gen of Ky.