Richard Yates to Mrs. A. H. Hoge

February 24th [186]4.

Mrs A. H. Hoge.

Chicago Ills.

My Dear Madam.

Your letter of December 16th went to Washington – thence to New York -–back to Washington and recently arrived in Springfield. I regret the delay for you must have considered me negligent.

I have written urgently, to Mr Lincoln requesting and recommending Col Hoge promotion to rank of Brigadier General of Vols, which I think would be nothing more than a proper recognition of the highly meritorious service he has rendered, to say nothing of the equally important aid you have rendered us all in this terrible struggle.

The detachment of your son's regiment on duty for

some months past at Camp Butler has been ordered to the field and will immediately rejoin the other companies. The companies of this battalion are all full and have performed creditably in the important duty assigned them in the State and I doubt not the regiment will continue to win the good opinion of the corps with which it may serve and its officers the esteem and commendations of commanding Generals.

I earnestly wish your sons name may soon be sent to the Senate and he be the recipient of the highest honors the country can bestow upon its earnest, patriotic defenders.

Very Truly & Respectfully

Your Obdt Servant

Richd Yates

Governor