F. T. Fairbanks to Richard Yates

Beloit Wis May 12th 1861

Gov Yates

Dear Sir

A son of mine in Chicago

joined A cavalry co. some three weeks since; they

elected their Cap't and sent him to Springfield to get

their co accepted; which was not done; But was told

or ordered to pick 25 of the best men out of the Co and

send them to Springfield; He (my son) wrote me he

was one of the happy number and should leave Chicago

on Wednesday the 8 inst; they got already and within

an hour of the time were told that not having received

the "pass" would have to wait 24 hours; the next

day 20 of them were detailed to go to Cairo with 130

horses loaded watered and fed them; And just as the cars

were to start - they were called down and five of them

taken off expecting to go to Springfield After they arrived at

the Hall; the captn told them that he had just

received A dispatch from the Gov'r saying send no more

men here and that the five were thrown out

my son being one of the No.; At the expense of his

situation loss of time disappointment, mortification,

with love of country at zero, and A contempt for

those in Authority and for Gov Yates in particular

Not believing that you stoop to so small A matter

as to dismiss five men after they were

ordered to be picked out; I state the facts and

shall be happy to learn that you at least are

not treating our young men who are ready to serve

their country and sacrifice their lives so basely

The Captns name is Barker and they were to serve

in the dragoons.

Yours With Esteem

F. T. Fairbanks

Beloit

To His Excellency

Gov Yates

Springfield

Ill

F. T. Fairbanks

a successful attempt to make a d-d fool

of himself -