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turned I believe. Lt. Singleton 2nd Lt. of my company behaved nobly. All of my men but one done their duty. That one was an arrant coward and will be drummed out of the regiment. He ran away and threw away his gun as he went. But such cases were few. Some officers who done their duty simply will not be mentioned while others who done more than the regulations or customs of war demanded will at once receive their meed of praise and promotion. For coolness, calmness, and moral courage are requisite and must be combined in the man who would lead men to battle. Our Generals are finding this out and are determined to promote none who have not been tried. I do wish that Walter had come out west for I am sure that he would rapidly rise in rank for he is brave and fearless and is one of the coolest men I ever saw. If I am promoted to what I want to be you may look for me to see you for I shall be obliged to visit Washington on business connected with the regiment. Our Major an old regular Army officer was killed in retaking a battery of artillery but as he turned to give the Lt. Col. the news of his success was shot through the body and lived only a few hours. His little son is with us and is the idol of the regiment. I have lost most of my clothes except my uniform. I happened to have on the same