John S. Loomis to James Oakes

January 25th 4.

Lieut Col James Oakes

Asst. Provost Marshal Ills.

Springfield Ill.

Sir: I am directed by His Excellency Governor Yates to introduce Dr. A C. Baker of Pike Co Ills Brother of the lamented Senator (& Col) Baker, of California He has information that his son Alfred J Baker while absent at school at Fulton Whiteside Co Ills. enrolled as a recruit, without his knowledge or consent and is now at general rendezvous near or in this city. The young man is but 16 years of age. His Excellency entertains the opinion that the most stringent regulations should be enforced requiring recruiting officers to be fully satisfied of the age of all persons they enlist & punished for taking to camp minors under 18 years. The difficulty in procuring discharges after muster is sufficient reason, were there no other, to prevent the practice of enlisting minors, which of late has become a troublesome business -

His Excellency respectfully requests

that effort may be made to secure accomplishment of Dr Bakers wishes in regard to his son.

Very Respectfully

Your Obdt Servt

John S. Loomis

Col & ADC