Richard Yates to William T. Sherman

October 16th [186]3

Major General W T Sherman.

Commdg 15th Army Corps.

Army of the Tenn.

General: I am in receipt of your letter of 26th Sept. and thank you for the kind mention of an Illinois boy who has so performed his duty as to attract your notice & win your commendation Corpl. Chas. L. Arnold A Co. 1st Ills. Artillery. I will see what can be done for him immediately A difficulty exists from the fact that promotions are made in regular line, unless a non commissioned officer or private merits and is recommended by the Captain & Col. of a regt for promotion over the one in line and points out why the Senior in line of advancement is not recommended. If any [Captains?]

of an Ills battery in your corps will recommend vacancy which may transpire, to be filled by appt of Arnold, and in his recommendation comply with the rule I can and will take much pleasure in sending A the commission. His case will also meet my careful attention and if any place can be found a commission will issue

I am General,

Very resply & truly

Governor