John L. Scripps to Richard Yates

Post Office, Chicago, Ill.,

July 16th 1862

Very Dear Sir

The bearer, W. F. DeWolf Esq., an old and highly respected citizen of Chicago, is desirous of a position in the Federal army under the recent call of the President for three hundred thousand volunteers. Those who best know Mr DeWolf believe him to be well qualified both by national endorsement, by education and by business habits, to command a regiment, and it will be a source of high gratification to his numerous friends, and I doubt not of advantage to the cause of the Government also, should you find it consistent to give him that position.

Of Mr DeWolfs loyalty it is unnecessary for me to say more than that he is the father of the late Lieut. DeWolf of the regular army, of whom heroic conduct at Belmont, at Donelson and at Williamsburg we are, as Illinoisans, so justly proud, and whose untimely death, from wounds received at the last-named engagement, we so greatly deplore. Having laid his noble boy as a sacrifice upon the altar of his country, he is now ready to take the field himself and, if need be, to lay down his own life in defence of the government.

Hoping Mr DeWolf may be successful in the object of his visit

to Springfield, I am

With high respect

Very Truly Yours

J. L. Scripps

His Excellency,

Richard Yates

Governor of Illinois.

J. L. Scripps

Chicago

July 16.

Recommending Wm F Dwolf,