John Bryner to Richard Yates

Peoria Ill.

Oct 19th 1864

To his Excellency Richard Yates Esq

Gov. of the State of Illinois

Dear Sir

At an interview with you yesterday at the Peoria House You requested me to state in writing the wishes of the 47th Regt Ill Voll Infty in regard to Reorganization. I will do so in breif

The Veterans and recruits desire a reorganization as the 47th they are and have reason to be proud of the name.

They wish to retain its number and place in the army. Many of the Non-Veterans request the same and propose to to re-enlist and go back if the Regt can be reorganized with its old name under my command

The Genl. under whom the hav served desires its reorganization Lieut Col. W.H. Willsie of the 139th.Regt. Ill. 100 day Vols who is from Galesburg is a man popular both with the Regiment and at home - he is willing to accept the same position in the 47th Regt and says he can bring with him 300 men from that Regt - and I think he can do so - his appointment as Lieut Col. of the 47th Regt would be perfectly satisfactory to the Veterans of the 47th - who respectfully request that you give me the authority to reorganize and fill up the Regt and have petitioned for the same which Petition and accompanying documents. I beg leave to call your attention to - they are on file at the Adjt Genl office

Your Excellency will see at once the importance of completing this arrangement in order that recruits might avail themselves of the large bounties now given for substitutes and that Drafted men might select this Regt. if they chose to do so - I therefore request the Authority to Reorganice and fill up the 47th Regt at as early a day as possible.

I have the honor to be

Your obedient servant

John Bryner

Peoria Ill Nov 18th 1864

To his Ex Govr R Yates

Sir I went to Sprinfield on Monday last, returned yesterday.

I found Det. 47th there under orders to report to Col Oaks for Reorgenization, also an order from Secty War assigning two hundred drafted men to 47th they will be turned over to Lt. Bonham to day or tomorrow. There is no one at [heads?] of [diportment?] Springfield who have any other orders, than that above stated.

Can you give any instructions in relation to the matter - The draft is fast closing up, in a few days it will be out of the question to get recruits, I still think that five new companies might be filled for that Regt, but in a short time it will be almost out of the question to get the volunteers unless the ballance of the call should be filled by draft.

I have the honor to be Your obedient Servt

John Bryner

Write whether he desires me to apply again for 5 new Companies to be authorized to [illegible]

Bryner John

Peoria Oct 19.64

Requests authority to fill up & reorganize the 47th Regt. under its old no. & same place in the army - also that Lt Col W H Willsie of 139th be made Lt Col of 47th as he can bring 300 men from his Regt