Unknown to David D. Porter

Feby 19th 3.

David D. Porter Active Rear Admiral Comm'd'g Mississippi Squadron

Dear Sir:

I take special pleasure in recommending to your favorable consideration the bearer Mr. H Couch of Peoria. I can cheerfully recommend Mr C. as a gentleman of strict integrity and high intellectual qualifications. I have no doubt that any position conferred upon him will be worthily bestowed and do honor to the party who assisted him to the same. He is besides this a truly loyal and patriotic citizen whose services will be really valuable to the Government in any position which he may be entrusted with.