William Rosecrans to Richard Yates

Head Quarters, Department of the Missouri,

St Louis, Sept 6 1864.

Dear Governor

I send by Col Hale official recommendation for the field & Staff of the Alton [Guards?]

My object has been to combine the maximum of soldiership with loyalty and influence to raise troops.

When Burbank first addressed me about that regiment I thought it was out a desire for the public good and that he was the master spirit, or one of them in Mily matters in Alton. Accordingly When he and Abbott called on me they struck me as very favorable persons for Col & Major but when I came to Alton I found they were

by no means best adapted to raise & Command the regt. and suppose they will acquiesce in my views. I have the promise of Messrs McPike & others that they will cooperate with me in my choice be it what it may. I shall hold them bound by that promise. Col G W Lackey can raise half the rgt if desired, and is a promising young man. Kuhn is an "Ottoman" and a good Soldier enjoying the Confidence of the Germans of Alton

A Tucker has been long Adjt of a brigade & was disabled in the fight at Mission Ridge

Bluthart has been Asst

Surgion in Ill Cavaly and Surgion of the 23d Mo has served three years seen much of the practise of his profession & will be very Suitable for the charge of that command.

I must request that you make Rogers Easy by giving him his promotion & filling up his regt. so that Hales appointment dont appear as if he and his friends in Alton had been made political victims.

Very Truly yours

Wm Rosecrans

Mj Genl

His Excellency

Richd Yates

Gov. Ill.

Major. Genl W. S. Rosecrans

St Louis Mo Sept 6th 64

Says that he has forwarded recommendations for the Officers of "Alton Guards". He lost confidence in Burbank & Abbot. He requests that the Govr promise Rogers to fill up his old Regt.

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