Letter from John Drish Leland to Col. Bledsoe  
 

Wills, Letters & Legends

This letter was sent to Colonel Bledsoe by John Drish Leland, Private, Co "H", 5th Ala. Regt.; in Feb, 1862.


     Camp Davis Ford, Va
                                                                                                Feb 23rd, 1862

Col Blesoe,
                  Sir,
                        Again I appear before you as the young man whom Capt. Griswold, C.S.A., recommended for an appointment in the Army.  When I presented his letter, you said that I must bring of send my recommendations, which I have gotten from Major H. A. Whiting and Lieut Col John T. Morgan, field officers of the regiment, to which I belong, and also one from my Brig-Genl. R.E.Rodes.  Col Jones' absence from the regiment renders it impossible for me to send one at this time.  Should you think this necessary to the success of my application, I will send it to you on his return to the regiment.  In reference to my application, permit me to state a few facts.  My Father has the honor of your aquaintance, if I have been correctly informed.  Let me say, then, that he is a man of no political influence or wealth, having been for years wholly absorbed in his profession.  You are well aware that these are powerful auxiliaries to a young man seeking either civil or military positions.  Unfortunately for our Country, too many I fear, have received appointments in the Army without any regard being had to military qualifications or true worth, simply because their friends and relatives, who desired their promotion, could bring political influence and wealth to bear.  This is sometimes unavoidable yet it is an evil and should be corrected.  The fault evidently lies somewhere, though I write this in no spirit of complaint, nor do I censure any in authority.  My assertion, however, is not without foundation, but it is based upon a long and intimate acquaintance with some young men from my own State, who have received appointments in the C. Army, and also upon a supposed proper understanding of their true characters, qualifications, merits & (+).  Basing my opinion upon these, I can truly say that I know not what qualities they had to recommend them.  Some have been appointed who had never received any military or scholastic education, at the same time destitute of moral character.  Political influence was the "open sesame" for them - and they rose upon this-  In the application I have made, I can bring neither political influence nor wealth to aid me.  The recommendations I have are from officers who know me and under whom I have served, and they must be taken for what they are worth.  The Hon. G.L.M. Curry, knows my father and may possibly aid me, as Doubtless Father has written to him upon the subject.  The Latin phrase, "hand facile emergunt quilbus angusta res obstat Domi" has not, thus far in life, nor shall it ever discourage me in honourable efforts to rise.  Should my application not meet with success, I shall still cheerfully serve my Country with my musket as a private in the ranks -  Any assistance you can render me, Col Bledsoe, will be rightly appreciated and gratefully remembered.
                                                                I am, very respectfully,
                                                                    Yr obedient servant,
Private Co"H", 5th Ala Regt.                                                                                                    John D. Leland