Franklin County: James Pott to Adjutant General,
January 19, 1863
Summary:
James Pott requests an extension of his leave to fully recover from his wound in
his head. He vows to return to service as quickly as he is able and asserts his
desire to serve his country.
Adjutant Genl.
January 19, 1863
McConnelsburg, Fulton Co. Pa.
Sir,
I am at home, wounded, on "Leave of Absence" for thirty days. My time expired yesterday--My "Leave" being dated Dec. 19th 1862. Here I am, in a quandary. My wound is not yet healed up, is still a running sore, and being in the head, on the left temple, it is in an exposed and critical place, so my surgeon assures me & consequently protests against me venturing to return to my regt (126th regt. Pa.) or even venturing out on two or three days travel--and yet the surgeon cannot comply with the literal terms required by Dec. 5 of the extracts from the Regulations, accompanying my "Leave of Absence," by which he is required to swear that the patient is not "able" to travel. This I cannot ask him to do because I can travel (though not fit) else I would not be here & yet the surgeon deems it both imprudent & dangerous to make the venture, the wound being in the head. On pleasant days I can & do go out and feel the better for a little exercise.
I have no desire to remain away from my comrades in arms one day longer than is necessary. I want to serve my country and the measure of my services is not yet full and will not be until this rebelion is crushed out if I live so long.
If an extenson is granted, I assure you I will not use one day more of the time given than is necessary to heal my wounds.
My address stands at the head of this note.
My "Leave of Absence" is dated Dec. 19th 1862-- disability report the previous day.
herewith I send surgeons certificate. I will await your reply.
Respectfully your Obt. Servt.
James Pott, 2nd Lieut.
Co. "B" 126th Pa.
D. Suffield was my attending physician until he went to
Washington. His certificate is filed in your office.
Yrs. J.P.
