William H. Byford to J. J. Lescher

Chicago Sept 4th 1861

Dear Doctor

Yours of 28th ult was received yesterday and soon as I could see the board of examiners I proceed to answer. The assure me that if you can pass an examination that will entitle you to a surgeonship that you will be immediately employed as there is a deficiency in surgeons

So many that come up for examination pass to an assistant surgeonship that there is and will be a surplus of them. The board will adjourn to Springfield on the sixteenth of this month - and they think the best course for you

to pursue is to write to the governor for a permit to appear before them soon as you can. Your name will be registered as an applicant and you can meet them at Springfield and very soon have your place in some regiment.

Should write to the Governor to save time if you request him to do so he will send your papers directly from Springfield to the board here and thus save delay

I am as ever my dear Dr your friend

W. H. Byford