R. M. Ewing to Richard Yates

Tallula June 21st 1861

Hon Richard Yates

Gov of Ills

Mr Yates

Dr sir - permit me

to thank you for past favors and among

the rest a package of your recent messages

to the special term of the Ills legislature.

The letter you gave me as a reccommendation

to president Lincoln has been forwarded to

the department in company with one of a

similar character from some of the best

names in our county. I have no hopes of

succefs from that quarter. An I wish to say

if not considered out of place that I would

like to serve my country if I could in a

capacity where I would be of any service to it,

and at the same time supply the demands

of my family or rather fullfilll my

obligations to my family by paying some

debts that I owe. In the first place I am

too fleshy to stand the fatigues of infantry

service especially when there are so many thousands

more than is called for on hand. I would like

to be in the service in some capacity and unlefs

it is absolutely necessary I had rather not

go as a private soldier in an infantry company.

I hope you will understand me distinctly on

this point - that if my country actually needs

my poor feeble services as a foot soldier I am

ready at any time when such is the case to

volunteer and not only fight for $11 per month

but for nothing unlefs it be food to sustain

life. At any rate I will not allow myself to be

out done by men of my clafs in devotion to

my country - The name has been represented

in every war where the stars and stripes have

been imperiled closing with the battle of

Buena Vista and to my certain knowledge

never faltered, and I will not be the first

to bring it into reproach. I trust now that

you will not consider my request to be made

in a mercenary spirit though I am at this

time making nothing and have some

$200 to pay this year which I have no idea

where to raise at present. I would like a

position in the commissary department.

Where I think I could do something for my

country and at the same time do something

for my family. I sincerely hope Mr Yates

that you can give me some appointment of this

kind after more worthy friends have been

considered. I shall look with anxiety to hear from

my application but any event be satisfied Respectfully R. M. Ewing

R. M. Ewing

asking appointment

as Commissary.

Answered -