Richard Yates to Francis A. McNeill

May 6th [186]4

Francis A. McNeill M.D.

Mt. Morris Illinois

My Dear Sir:

I returned from Washington yesterday and your letter of 30th Apl has just been brought to my notice. I have no doubt of your son's competency for commission and I would have been glad, long since to promote him had there been a place where I could have commissioned him without injustice to others immediately in line of promotion. You are perhaps well aware of the general rule which it was necessary to adopt viz: To promote by seniority of rank in regiment in the field and in all companies and

regiments which have been raised in the State for a year or more officers have been commissioned who raised and who were also elected by the men, hence you will perceive how contracted my resources have been for rewarding young and meritorious men in the field who could not be advanced in their own regiments. This course has been necessary to secure the largest measure of support for the Government in raising our late quotas and reenforcing the gallant regiments previously given by the State to the country.

Upon one application made to the War Dept for three years soldier to be discharged to accept commission in new regiments I received reply that no discharges could be granted until the company was full and it was also indicated that discharges

would only be granted to accept commissions in new three years regiments. I have today telegraphed the Sec of War requesting him to allow me to commission non-commissioned officers and privates from 3 yrs regts in 100 day troops with a view to issue commission to your son, which I hope will be effectual

I will send you immediately full instructions blanks &c &c for recruiting under 100 day call and your assistance in forming companies in your vicinity will be practical & invaluable aid to the common cause and which I will highly appreciate and will commission your son to any position which you can make acceptable to him and the company or companies raised near you. I hope some good position can be found for him there and I will keep him in remembrance also in other quarters

Truly Yours

Richd Yates

Governor.