J. H. Howe to Richard Yates

Head Quarters 124th Ills

Vicksburg Miss Oct 11, 1864.

Governor,

We want to come home to vote, unless you think you can beat the enemy badly without us.

"Little Mac" says he can't "look the soldiers in the face" & give up the Union, but we are afraid he will do it behind our backs if he is Elected.

Yours for the Union -- one Government, one flag, one destiny.

J. H. Howe

Comding 124th

Vicksburg Daily Herald.

by Ira A. Batterton.

Vicksburg, Miss.,

Tuesday, October 11, 1864.

A Noble Record. - The 124th regiment Illinois infantry now encampted at this place, has a record of which the noble regiment may well be proud. It has been in service nearly three years, and in a contest for superiority in drill was award the banner over all competitors in the division to which it belonged, 3d division, 17th army corps. In battle, it has proven worthy of the great State from which it hails; and its deeds of valor stand as enduring records of the heroism of the officers and men composing it. But it has, if possible, a record more to be boasted of than that of valor or descipline. Although so long a time has elapsed since its formation as a regiment, and notwithstanding the diversity of character of its numerous members, and the perilous scenes of trial and temptation it has passed through during this exciting war, it makes the proud and glorious boast that not a man in the 124th Illinois infantry has ever been brought before a general courtmartial to be tried for a violation of the articles of war or any general order.

It is a noble record, and may not the "Sucker State" point with pride and pleasure to this gallant regiment and say, "These are my jewels?"

May every member of the regiment continue to feel that its honor is in his keeping, so that when it shall have fulfilled its allotted time of service, it may make the same proud boast as now, "No member of the 124th has ever been before a courtmartial.

Negroes Captures. - We learn from a gentleman who lives near the place, that on Sunday night last a band of guerrillas sweeped down upon a farm about five miles from this city, on the railroal, and captured fourteen negroes who were at work upon the place. - When it is known that this raid was made upon a place not more than a mile distant from a post at which there is a strong guard of our troops, some idea of the daring character of these fellows may be gathered.

The capture of the negroes was perhaps the only object of their visit, as we did not learn that they did any other damage.

The Excelsiors Vote. - At a vote taken on last Sunday in the 124th regiment Illinois infantry, the "Excelsior regiment" of the old 3rd division, 17th army corps, and a regiment which represents one of the finest organizations of Illinois troops, the following as the result:

Whole number of votes cast .. 516.

For Abraham Lincoln .. 502.

For Geo. B. McClellan .. 14.

If there is another regiment outside of the veteran organization, which can beat this vote for Uncle Abraham, we would like to hear from it.

[verso of page 2]

J.H. Howe, Comdg 124th

Ill. Volls

Vicksburg Oct 11th 64

They want to come home to vote, unless the state is all right without them.

They vote the Union ticket.

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