W. S. Post to Richard Yates

Write a friendly response thanking He - Let me sign it

      Du Quoin, Perry Co. Ill.

                     Aug. 11th 1863

Gov. Yates:

               I am home for a few days on Order.  I desire to report to your Excellency that the condition of the 81st Illinois Regiment is healthy in all respects.  The men are highly pleased with their officers. True, we have been through bloody carnage; yet our reputation remains untarnished by a single dishonorable action.  I have endeavored in all my intercourse with the men to instill into their minds a high sense of honor. True, I have held the office

of Chaplain only, but that I regard as a noble & exalted position for a man to occupy. Chaplains will find work enough to perform when they will do their whole duty. Our loved Illinois Shines the brightest in the galaxy of States. This we soldiers all consider is mainly due to your writings & labors in the glorious cause of the Union. Your name will be Renowned & honored as foremost among the first in this mighty Struggle for the life of the nation.

The Illinois Soldiers are proud of our noble & patriotic Governor as well as of our Generals Grant, Logan & other heroes. You, Sir, must feel a proud Satisfaction of being respected & admired as "the Soldiers friend." While we as true & faithful Soldiers honor & obey our leaders in the field, we do not forget our friends at home. Permit me to Say that your Excellency need never wish to have any prouder or nobler epitaph inscribed on your monument than this of the "Soldiers' friend." And the Soldiers will most assuredly remember their friend

when they return from the War, those that are permitted to come back to Illinois. Your writings as well as your deeds have shed imperishable tastes upon our beloved State. Not alone in the field have great achievements been made but also at home, immortal fame has been gained by - the loyal, the wise & the good. No name, in my opinion, will be transmitted to (illegible) ages with more honor & glory than that of our Illinois Executive. This I say too, speaking in behalf of the Soldiers of Illinois.

Yours truly - W.S. Post

Chap. 81st Ill.

Ans'd Aug 13 - 63

File P.

Post Wm. S.

Chaplain 81st. Regt

Du Quoin Aug 11 1863

Says the condition of the 81st is good the men are highly pleased with their Officers. Says they are proud of their noble & patriotic Governor as well as Genl's Grant & Logan & other heroes & c & c.

Col Write a friendly response Governor will sign -

S.

Recd Ex O. Aug 12 1863