Lieut. (USA), John C. Turrell

John Terrell served in the Union Army during the American Civil War. He first entered service on on 15 Aug 1861 and mustered in on 18 Sep 1861 in Cairo, IL in Company I, 31st Illinois Infantry Regiment with the rank of Musician. He was promoted to Principal Musician and transferred to Headquarters. He mustered out in September 1864. After this, John Terrell served as 1st Lieutenant in Company A, 9th U.S. Veteran Volunteer Infantry and Quartermaster in Field and Staff Company. He served general service in the US Army from July 6, 1867 until Aug 1868. He also served as a Private in the US Infantry Signal Corps from Aug 1868 until May 7, 1869.

The following is a transcription of an application letter that John C. Terrell wrote to Brevet Major General Lorenzo Thomas that I found on Fold3.com.

St. Louis, MO October 9th 1867

Bvt. Maj. Gen. Lorenzo Thomas

Adjutant General U.S. Army

Washington, D.C.

Sir,

I have the honor to respectfully forward for consideration to the proper authority, an application for an appointment in the Regular Army of the United States

I entered the service of the United States as Private in Company "I" 31st Illinois Infantry Volunteers, August 15th 1861 and served until September 18th 1864 when i was honorably discharged.

I received an appointment as 2nd Lieutenant, January 9th 1865, in the 1st Army Corps, U.S. Veteran Volunteers (Hancock's) and was assigned to Co "A," 9th Regiment. Promoted to 1st Lieutenant, November 8th 1865 and assigned to Co "B" of 9th Regiment and was honorably mustered out of service June 5th 1866.

I forward no recommendations with this application, but would respectfully invite your attention to my military history.

I have the honor to be Sir,

Very Respectfully,

Your Abt Servant,

John C. Turrell