Major General Howard,
Commanding 11th Corps.

General:

Of the part taken by my Division in the actions of July 2 and 3 at Gettysburg, I have the honor to submit the following report: One of the five regiments of the 1st Brigade, the 74th Pennsylvania, was left with General Ames to strengthen his right wing; the remaining four were directed towards a strip of woods on the right of the Division, in which the firing had become very heavy, and where, according to a report of some staff officers of the 1st Corps, immediate aid was needed. Two regiments, the 157th New York and the 61st Ohio, were guided by one of their officers, while the other two, the 82nd Illinois and the 45th New York, were led by my Chief of Staff, Lieutenant-Colonel Otto, of the 50th New York.

It had meanwhile become quite dark, the direction of the fight being indicated by nothing but the sound of musketry. The regiment entered the woods with the greatest determination, and drove the enemy from our rifle pits.

It is my pleasant duty to mention as especially deserving, the names of Lieutenant-Colonel Otto, who superintended this operation with great judgment and courage, and Lieutenant Colonel Salomon, of the 82nd Illinois, who displayed the highest order of coolness and determination under very trying circumstances.

I am, General,

Allen Fuller,
Adjutant-General, State of Illinois.

Sir:

I have the honor to respectfully request that you issue a Colonel's commission to Lieutenant-Colonel Edward S. Salomon, commanding the 82nd Regiment Illinois Volunteer Infantry, belonging to his brigade. I take pleasure in saying that it is my sincere belief that Lieutenant-Colonel Salomon fully deserves this favor, not only by his inherent ability and merit as an officer, but more particularly by the gallantry and efficiency he has displayed during this campaign. The regiment he commands is his best recommendation, it being soldierly, gallant and thoroughly disciplined. It will be accepted as a personal favor if you will make special effort to obtain the approval of Lieutenant-Colonel Salomon's commission as Colonel, and his muster as such by the War Department.

Respectfully forwarded, heartily concurring with the within recommendation.

Respectfully forwarded. I fully concur in the within recommendation Lieutenant Colonel Salomon has won the good opinion of all his comrades by his great gallantry and good conduct, and it will be but a just and grateful appreciation of his services to confer the preferment upon him.

Hon. E. M. Stanton,
Secretary of War.

Sir:

I have the honor to recommend and earnestly request the appointment of Colonel Edward S. Salomon, of the 82nd Regiment, Illinois Volunteers, as Brevet Brigadier-General for gallant and meritorious services.

Colonel Salomon joined this brigade with his regiment at the opening of the campaign against Atlanta in the spring of 1864. During the fighting before Resaca, Georgia, on the 14th and 15th of May, this regiment behaved with great gallantry.

Again, at New Hope, Georgia, on the 25th of the same month, Colonel Salomon led his command with admirable coolness and courage against the enemy. After having advanced under a severe fire of musketry and artillery more than a mile, he held his line close to the entrenched position of the enemy, without a breastwork, and with a scanty supply of ammunition.

At the battle near Peach Tree Creek, before Atlanta, Georgia, on the 20th of July, 1864, Colonel Salomon performed a most gallant and meritorious part in repulsing the repeated onslaughts made by the enemy. In the face of a furious raking fire, he held his line for four hours, when the enemy withdrew from his front with great loss.

During the siege of Atlanta, Colonel Salomon was ever prominent for his energy, coolness and judgment.

In the fight near Averysboro, North Carolina, on the 16th of March, 1865, Colonel Salomon, as usual, led his regiment into action with great gallantry and skill.

At the battle of Bentonville, on the 19th of March, 1865, Colonel Salomon and his command drew the unqualified admiration of all who witnessed their coolness and discipline under fire, and their effectual services in repulsing several determined attacks of the enemy.

Colonel Salomon has distinguished himself in other engagements besides those which have been mentioned. At Gettysburg and Missouri Ridge his gallantry was conspicuous and challenged the highest admiration.

I consider Colonel Salomon one of the most deserving officers of my acquaintance. His regiment is his highest praise In point of drill and discipline it is second to none in this corps. Its record will bear safe comparison with any other of the same age in the army.

Colonel Salomon has had a commission as Colonel since April, 1864, but his regiment not containing the requisite number of men he has been unable to get mustered.

Earnestly hoping that his claims will meet your favorable attention.

I remain, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

I cordially concur in the recommendation of General Robinson. The officer (Colonel Salomon) has just merits. He is intelligent, gallant, brave and faithful. I have had several occasions to mark his distinguished merit. There can be no promotion more deserved.

Sir:

You are hereby informed that the President of the United States has appointed you for distinguished gallantry and meritorious services during the war, a Brigadier General of Volunteers, by brevet in the service of the United States, to rank as such from the thirteenth day of March, one thousand eight hundred and sixty-five. Should the Senate at the next session advise and consent thereto, you will be commissioned accordingly.

To Brevet Brigadier-General Edward S. Salomon,
U. S. Volunteers.

What was thought of General Salomon and his administration as Governor by the people of Washington Territory is best explained by quoting the following article from the Pacific Tribune, published at the time he resigned his office of Governor:

"The acceptance of Governor Salomon's resignation by the President is universally regretted by our people. He was honest, fearless and capable. He mingled freely with the people, identified himself with their interests and generously expended his time and means to bring hither population and to promote our material interests. He has established a reputation in the office which will make his administration a source of pride to his fellow-citizens, and he carries into his retirement the consolation that the good and true of all parties regard it fortunate that he should have been called to preside over our destinies. We speak the sentiment of our people when we express unfeigned regret that he felt it his duty to resign his office. His official acts are his best records; they have all met with the heartiest commendation of our people.

"A thorough and consistent Republican, baptized in the fire of battle, when gallantly sustaining the flags, he has always been true and steadfast to the principles of the party of which he was so distinguished a member. While ever ready with purse, pen and tongue to maintain his partisan principles, he was singularly free from a partisan bigotry in the exercise of official functions. He governed the Territory. Party behests never made him swerve from official integrity or duty to the whole people. How proudly can he look to this episode of his life. He governed well. He satisfied all, for the welfare of the whole was constantly in his eye; he was true to the position he so happily filled.

"But his successor is soon to come among us. We are ready to accord to the Executive a cordial welcome. We can wish him, however, no higher or better aspiration than that he may prove worthy to be the successor of one who so faithfully and well performed all his duties as Edward S. Salomon."

INDIANA.

Attained the highest rank of any Israelite who served during the Civil War. He enlisted as a private in the 79th Regiment, Indiana Volunteers, and rose step by step until he was promoted to the Colonelcy of his Regiment. Subsequently he was appointed Brigadier-General, then Brevet Major-General for meritorious conduct at Chickamauga. He participated in the principal battles of the Army of the Cumberland under Generals Rosecrans, Thomas, Sherman, and Grant, and took part in the engagements under Sherman in the march to the sea. General Knefler has the reputation of having been one of the most gallant soldiers. He is now living in Indianapolis, honored and respected.