Civil War-dated ALS signed “S. K. Zook,” three pages on two adjoining sheets, 8 x 10, October 16, 1862. Letter to future President of the United States, Brigadier General Chester A. Arthur, in full: “What have you done about that letter I begged so hard to have you procure for me from the Governor? I tell you it would aid my case very materially & might turn the scale in my favor. Get it as strong as possible and send to me here. Don’t delay a day longer than you are compelled to. It is everything to me to succeed in my application for promotion. It will be in the Secty’s hands this week. Testimonials from the following Genls. accompany it. viz. French, Howard, Caldwell, Stoneman, and if Genl. Richardson should be well enough to dictate one within a few days his also; I expect some others but am not sure of getting them in time. By the way Col. Brooke’s testimony in my case is very strong & is now in McClellan’s hands & on its way to the war dept. He commanded this Brigade in the battle of Antietam and greatly distinguished himself and is so highly recommended, his testimony will go as far as a Genl’s. If you remember I read it to you, or rather you read it yourself. He has been with me in all the battles I have been engaged in; and in two under my command.
Genl. Sumner endorsed my paper under pressure of an order ‘to recommend for promotion a certain number of qualified Cols. who distinguished themselves in the late battle,’ so that all he could do was to imply his confidence in my qualifications. It was in these words—‘If Col. Zook had been in the battle of Antietam and distinguished in that battle, I would recommend him for promotion.’ That was all he could do, as my case came up outside of the conditions imposed by the order to recommend. Genl. Richardson has been too weak to be seen for some days but his A. A. G. says he knows the Genl. will gladly give me a letter—I quote from his letter ‘As soon as the Genl. is able to see any one I will get the required letter (which I know will give the Genl. great pleasure to write for him) and forward the same.’ The letter is directed to my aid Lt. Favile of the 57th. who wrote to Major Norwell about it.
But with all this, my dear fellow, I want the Governor’s assistance. If you think he had better address his note directly to the Secty. of War, in anticipation of my application’s arrival let that be the course. Only you must advise me when it is done. You helped me to my colonelcy & I have not disgraced it. Help me to my Brigadiership and I’ll try not to disgrace the office or yourself as my friend. Write me!” After his signature, Zook adds a parenthetical in reference to his struck through rank, “(That’s a slip as I have to write it all of each forenoon).” Additionally, Zook has added a postscript to the reverse of the last page, signing with his initials “S. K. Z.,” in full: “Are we to receive conscrips enough to fill the 57th entirely full? If yes, I want to nominate for promotion in the regt.—answer!” The reverse of the last page has also been docketed in the hand of Arthur, “Head Qrs 3d Brigade, Hancock’s Division, Oct. 12, 1862, Col. S. K. Zook,” adding a date of receipt below, “Rec’d Oct 16th 1862.” In fine condition, with small splits along one fold. Pre-certified PSA/DNA.
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