y mentioned that of Williamsburg; and in
about four days from that time I received my appointment, of which the
following is a copy:--

_War Department, Washington, Sept. 26, 1862._

SIR: You are hereby informed that the President of the United States
has appointed you, for distinguished conduct at the battle of
Williamsburg, Brigadier-General of Volunteers in the service of the
United States, to rank as such from the twenty-sixth day of
September, one thousand eight hundred and sixty-two. Should the
Senate, at their next session, advise and consent thereto, you will
be commissioned accordingly.

Immediately on receipt hereof please to communicate to this
Department, through the Adjutant-General of the Army, your acceptance
or non-acceptance, and with your letter of acceptance return the oath
herewith enclosed, properly filled up, subscribed and attested, and
report your age, birthplace, and the State of which you were a
permanent resident.

You will report for duty to the General-in-Chief, U. S. A., in person
for orders.

EDWIN M. STANTON, _Secretary of War_.

BRIGADIER-GENERAL ROBERT COWDIN, U. S. Volunteers.

On the 30th of September I was sworn into office as Brigadier-General of
Volunteers, and immediately assigned to the 2d Brigade, Abercrombie's
Division, composed entirely of new troops, which I continued to drill and
discipline until the 30th of March, when I was relieved of my command by
the following order:--

_Headquarters, Abercrombie's Division,
Arlington House, Va., March 30, 1863._

General Order No. 13.

1. Brigadier-General Robert Cowdin is hereby relieved from the
command of the 2d Brigade of this Division. Col. Burr Porter, 40th
Mass. Vols., will assume command.

2. In parting with Brigadier-General Cowdin the General commanding
the Division desires to compliment him on the efficiency to which the
troops under his command have arrived. He feels assured that soldiers
so well managed in camp would have been equally well led in the
field, where he regrets that he must be deprived of General Cowdin's
valuable services.

By order of BRIG.-GEN. ABERCROMBIE.

J. A. SLIPPER, _A. A. G._

Official. C. H. LAWRENCE. _A. A. G._

As the time for confirmation drew near, I had occasion to visit Washington
on business for my Briga