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Richmond Va July 10th 1862
Sir,
Dr. Henry C. Ghent of Randolph County Ala. has been in the city for more than a month at his own expense and without compensation, waiting on and rendering all the assistance he could, to the sick and wounded soldiers of Alabama and others.
There are a good many Alabamians in this part of the city (the western suburbs) in private houses, besides a large hospital which is in this neighborhood.
I understand that you have appointed several Surgeons from Ala. to come to Richmond to care for the sick and wounded of Ala. I do not know the nature of these appointments. I write these lines to ask that Dr. Ghent may be added to the list if it is not already filled. Dr. Ghent is a physician of good reputation, industrious, attentive and [with?] all, a perfect gentleman. He has made many sacrifices in behalf of Southern Independence. He will discharge his duty faithfully whatever position may be assigned him. Very Respectfully Your obd't Servant James Aiken
To
His Excellency Jno. Gill Shorter Montgomery Ala.
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James Aiken July 10th 1862
Recommending appointment of Dr H. C. Ghent as Surgeon of Hospital at Richmond
Answered July 14 1862 no such appointments made by the Governor
