(transcription below)
Maj Gen G.H. Thomas.
Comdg. Army of the CumberlandDr. Sir,
Your favor was recd, in which you kindly signified your willingness, to assist me in the transfer of my brother from your Department to the one I am serving in. Yesterday I received from Governor Blair of Mich a Commission, as 2nd Lieut in the 6th Mich Cav, for my brother. The 6th Mich Cav has been under my command and the brigade to which it belongs will be assigned to my Division in a few days.
My brother can be mustered in as soon as he reaches this Army. I write to request that you will order his discharge, to enable him to accept promotion: his name is Thomas Custer, a private in Co "A" 21st Ohio Infantry. I believe he is now on duty with the escort at the Hdqrs 14th Army Corps. If you can grant my request I would ever esteem it as a great favor. If possible I would like the order discharging him to contain one ordering him to this Department.
With assurance of my high esteem