War Department
Adjutant General's Office
Washington, August 23, 1862
Colonel John Symmington
U.S. Ordnance,
Pittsburgh, PA.
Sir,
I have the honor to inform you that the president has approved
the following finding of the Retiring Board in your case: That
you are not incapacitated for active service and are capable of
performing the duties of your office.
I am, Sire, Very Respectfully
Yr. Obd. Servt. (Your Obedient Servant)
E. D. Townsend
Asst.Adj. Genl.
Edward D. Townsend to Colonel John Symington, Aug. 23, 1862; Letters Received at the Allegheny Arsenal; Records of
the Chief of Ordinance, RG 156; National Archives and Records Administration - Mid-Atlantic Region (Philadelphia).