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 November 12, 2025 Kentucky Department of Military Affairs Assistant Adjutant General Letter Book - No. 1 ; 5 Sept 1863 - 2 Feb 1864 KYR-0002-153-0100 480 to 481

Frankfort, Franklin County, Kentucky Frankfort, Franklin County, Kentucky 1864-01-23 Correspondence English Version 1 of page "2": Changes to page transcript. Version 1 of page "1": Changes to page transcript. Version 0 of page "2": Empty transcript -- probably initial upload of page facsimile. Version 0 of page "1": Empty transcript -- probably initial upload of page facsimile.
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480 Jan 23rd 4 His Excellency Thos E. BramletteGovernor of Ky. Frankfort- Ky. Governor.

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

T. J. Bush was commissioned 1st Lieut- 24th Ky. Vols on 30th Dec. 1861 -- but never assigned to a company. Being assigned to the only exisiting vacancy when the matter was laid before this Department on 3rd Sept. 1863 -- it was found that he was the ranking officer of the Co. by nearly one year -- Lieut McIntire having been commissioned Nov. 8th 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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481 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.