James H. Fox to Richard Yates

This 8th of October, 1864

Honerable gov. Yates governer of the State of Illinois

Dear Sir

My Business with you this morning is to ascertain Whether A Substitute has the Right of Chooseing Their Regiment or not. I have been Told they have, & I have been told not by the Officers. The Provost Marshall of Peoria told me when I went that we had the right as far as Practicable. My Choice is the 86 Illinois infty. I have One Brother there and Several Friends.if they are vacant of music. I can take the Place of a fifer or Drummer. My brother is a fifer in Co H now, and if there is any Possible Chance

for me to get there. Please as a friend Send me there. I believe you are Some what Acquainted with my father. his name is C. H. Fox of Valley Township Stark Co. Ills he is a horse Thief Detective & Captain of A company of over 100 men for the Purpose of Catching Thieves. I am now at Oncle Sams Service Of Corse to go where he sees fit to send me but I should like to go where my Brother is as I have not Saw him for over Two years. I have Only enlisted for One year & my Brother has Only One year more to Stay. The 86 is now quartered in Atlanta I believe. If you have the Power to make out my Papers for that Regiment I ask of you as a favor to Do So and send me Through and if not Pleas answer my letter and let me know whether

I have the Privilige of Chooseing my Regiment or not as it would Satisfy A great many as well as myself. There is quite A number here that would go to the Regiment if they Could. When I was Sworn in at Peoria, they asked me my Preference and Put it on my Papers. I Stayed at Peoria 1 week, and got Some what Acquainted with the Officers there & when we started for Springfield I was Detailed as a guard. I am now in Barrak 48, Camp Butler.

I am not much of a Business Person in writeing so will you Please excuse my Poor Writing and Spelling

Most Respectfully Your Obedient Servant

Signed James H. Fox Barrax 48. Camp Butler, Ills

To the Honerable Govener of the State of Illinois,

Ps Pleas Answer My letter As Soon as Possible and Remember A friend

Fox Jas H. Camp Butler Oct 8th 1864

Wants to Know if a Drafted man has the right to choose his Regt. Wants to go to the 86th Ills.

Answered Oct 18th 1864

Snyder Aid de C

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