S. M. Cullom to M. Hay

To M. Hay. From Cullom

Cairo July 5th 1862

Mr Hay Esq

Dear Sir

I write now for the purpose of getting you to see our State Officers about the soldiers voting – I have just had an interview with Crews a Major in Lawler's Regt & who was a member of my legislature. He is just from Mclerland's Army at Jackson. He says that he does not know certainly how Mclernand stands on the question himself but says that all his aids are busy as Bees electioneering with the Boys in favor of the Constitution. says that Logan is quiet but that the Col of his Regt is very active. says also that he has no doubt that a majority of Mclernands old division will be for the Constitution says they are expecting the Commissioners there to receive the vote soon.

I write these statements so that they may be considered & taken for what they are worth. I have no doubt but that there will be a strong effort to throw the vote of the soldiers for the Constitution whether legally or illegally taken. It will not do to let the soldiers vote for their scheme, if we do it will take away from us all the advantage we have gained on the score of Cesesh even though they should fail to carry it. I have not time to write longer – we are getting along slowly – have had Q M Hatch under consideration a day or two – do not know which we will get through with him. Grimshaw is still here they went to Columbus yesterday & brought up Major Hays sick He is not likely to recover --will write again soon.

Yours &c

S M Cullom