Richard Yates to Abraham Lincoln

February 19th [186]4.

His Excellency.

Abraham Lincoln

President &c.

Washington City

Dear Sir:

I desire earnestly to ask your attention to the case of Col. John Mason Loomis of the 26th Regt Ills. Vols. and specially to recommend his appointment to rank of Brigadier General of Volunteers. He has been in service since the summer of 1861. and has for nearly two (2) years commanded a brigade.

His regiments was one of the earliest organizations for the three years service and through his ability, energy, and fervor has been marked for its proficiency in everything to be desired in regimental organization.

Col. Loomis has always led his regiment to the front. At Island No 10. New Madrid Siege of Corinth & Battles of Farmington Iuka, and Corinth Siege of Vicksburg - battle of Jackson Mississippi his regiment and brigade was hotly engaged and at all times behaved with the greatest courage and bravery. I regard his regiment as one of the best our proud State can boast.

Generals Grant, Sherman, Rosecrans, Logan Hugh Ewing, & W S Smith all testify to the eminent services rendered by Col L. as a Brigade Commander and have made mention in official reports of his conduct as highly meritorious in several Engagements in Tennessee and Mississippi In December 1862 General Grant recommended Col Loomis for promotion, which letter was indorsed by our State officers & forwarded to you He has now served over a years longer, and many Officers his junior in

rank and in my opinion, inferior in ability, have been promoted. He has served patiently & faithfully without complaint or murmer and has added to his former record as an Officer the conspicuous part taken in the march of General Sherman' column from Memphis to Chattanooga and Knoxville. In the battle of Mission Ridge he commanded his own Brigade a part of the 15th Army Corps. and a brigade of the 11th Corps on Shermans right and front and drove the enemy from their position on the Ridge and this secured the first fruits of victory. General Sherman has I believe so reported Officially

Out of 572 men left in his regiment Col Loomis has secured 463 for the Veteran service and is now here reorganizing his regiment for three years further service. He has won by hard service the promotion requested and I would most respectfully and urgently request that his name be considered first among Illinois

Colonels for promotion. He merits this consideration by virtue of seniority of rank in Illinois regiments in connection with the distinguished and really meritorious service in the field.

It would subserve the best interest of the service and I would feel myself personally obliged for your early & favorable consideration and would also request a letter stating the action you may find it consistent or your pleasure to take.

Very Respectfully

Richd. Yates

Governor