Autograph Letter Signed

He was wounded in 3 Civil War battles!

(1828-98) Born in England, he was a printer before the Civil War. He enlisted as a 1st lieutenant, on July 8, 1861, and was commissioned into the 37th New York Infantry. He was promoted to captain, on September 10, 1861; was wounded on May 5, 1862, in the battle of Williamsburg, Va.; was promoted to major, on October 8, 1862; and was mustered out of this regiment on June 22, 1863. On November 3, 1863, he was commissioned into the 164th New York Infantry, with rank of lieutenant colonel. He was severely wounded on May 18, 1863, in the battle of Spotsylvania, Va., and promoted to colonel, July 4, 1864, and brevet brigadier general, March 13, 1865. His third battle wound was received on March 25, 1865, at Petersburg, Va. He was mustered out of the service on July 15, 1865. After the war he served as a U.S. Customs official.

Autograph Letter Signed: 7 1/2 x 7 1/2, in ink.

293 Broadway, New York
Nov. 8th, 1866

To: His Excellency Reuben E. Fenton
Governor of S.N.Y.

Governor,

I take pleasure in recommending for the position of "Engineer in Chief" on your Staff, Genl. Chas. W. Darling, C.G.S., a gentleman imminently qualified for the position and in the discharge of its duties will command (as he does in his present one) the esteem and respect of those doing business with him.

His appointment will give pleasure to a number of your friends and to none more than to,

Your Obt. Servt.
Wm. De Lacy
B[reve]t. Brig. General of Vols.

There is a small rust spot at upper right from where an old paper clip once was, and there is an old mounting remnant on the reverse. Fine recommendation letter written to Governor Fenton of New York by this gallant New York officer who was wounded three times during the Civil War.