Joseph Hooker to J. C. Kelton, February 2, 1863

Col. J. C. KELTON, Assistant Adjutant-General :

General Orders, No. 19, February 22, 1862, provide for the inscription upon the colors of all regiments and batteries in the service of the United States the names of the battles in which they have borne a meritorious part. Most, if not all, the regiments and batteries now in the service with this army are entitled to distinction. Boards have been organized, and have reported upon the claims for these honorable inscriptions. There are no records at the headquarters of these proceedings, but 1 am reliably informed that the recommendations of the boards have been forwarded to the headquarters of this army, although they are not now here.

I desire information as to what the instructions of the Department are in carrying out this order. If these records are on file at the headquarters of the Army or of the War Department, trust that they may receive prompt and immediate action. If there are no records there, I would respectfully request proper instructions that these much to be desired ends may be accomplished at once. No better incentive could be given to this army for future effort than this honorable recognition of their past services.

Very respectfully, &c.,