Richard Yates to Frederick Behlendorff

May 28th [186]4

Capt. Frederick Behlendorff

Co. A. 13th Ills Cavalry.

Little Rock Ark.

Captain:

Your letter 15th Inst. enclosing that of Brig Genl. Solomon is received. It is gratifying to me to have such high and substantial indorsement of Illinois Officers, and his letter shall form a part of the permanent history of your regiment. I am sorry that circumstances which surround present organisation of your regiment will prevent me from giving you immediate promotion.

The regiment had become reduced down to 3 companies and I assigned 9 new companies to it and to do so found it advisable and (in justice to all who had been instrumental in recruiting the new companies) necessary to appoint field officers from those who

contributed to fill the regiment. The old battalion is represented in the field appointments by Major Erskine, now Colonel of the Regiment. When Lieut Col. Hartmann ceases official connection with the service, ____ Whitmore will be appointed Lieut Colonel; he was principally instrumental in getting the 9 companies accepted and recruited and until Hartmann' connection ceases the vacancy of Major caused by Erskines promotion will be kept open for Whitmore. Thus you will see that I cannot now consider any applications for promotion; and if a vacancy did exist I would be obliged to consider the services and claims of all the officers who recruited the Nine Companies (without which there would be no regt or opportunity for promotion) in connection with the original Co officers, yet in commission. I can assure you however that your case shall be carefully remembered.

Very truly Yrs

Richd Yates

Governor.