B. F. Ford to Richard Yates

Camp near Jacinto Mifs July 19th 1862

Gov Yates

Yesterday I was invited to Col Colers and introduced to one of your "Creation" a man by the name of Paddock as first Lieut Co H 25th Regiment Ills Vol. I was surprised I was chagrined mortified, felt humbled disgraced, to think that such a Booby was thrust upon my company without their or my knowledge or consent, contrary to any known rule of Justice in any sense whatever. Some days since at the request of Col Coler, I forwarded a reccommendation in connection with his for one I thought best qualified to fill the place And now I find this has not been respected. A captain certainly should know who is the proper one to be reccommended in his company for promotion. Whilst I know I am but Captain and the Men under me but privates - Men that are making monuments of their Bones at thirteen dollars per month and quarter Rations to gratifying the ambition of Damnable Demagouges fit companions for the Damned in Hell, I still think they are not Dogs that there wishes their comfort should at least have a little weight in the scramble for Position

What encouragement is there for men to do their duty. What is to emulate them in their long marches what to cheer in their days of watching and their nights of vigilance when an Executive, "By the Grace of God," becomes the sovereign, and pays no respect to what common sense in the absence of Military usage would dictate. Napoleon said "Bayonets think" yes and Bayonets act, they have acted upon the field, while traitors have been plotting evil and scrambling for Position for Pets and favorites and after this war is ended and its history began to written and finished in Blood, fearful will be the reckoning of those who have trifled and trampled upon all the rights and the few privileges of the Poor Soldier. The congratulations of Executive and Congresses is but poor consolation for the Poor Soldier when all prospect for promotion is cut off by the one Man Power There will be no more Hobbies to ride. the "Almighty Nigger" and the "dignity of Labor" are about played out. and Men are thinking, men will act different. the Men of my company when they heard your Great Speech at Tuscola uttering the sentiments of at least the equality of white men and that giving to Labor that dignity that it required thought as I did that you were honest in it, but Alas!! Actions speak louder than words

I am not pleading my own cause I am not mortified as it regards myself if I felt so I should not appeal to you for redress I am satisfied as to the estimate you place upon me I was fool enough once to unburdle to you that I would like to have a good position and if you will forgive me for it I will never do so again notwithstanding you had so often said that if ever you had it in your Power you intended to do something for me but I suppose you made similar promises to thousands of others I shall feel content, knowing there was not places for all and thank you that you felt "inclined so to do"

I would advise you for the sake of your "Protege" the aforesaid Paddock to get him a place more congenial as for being 1st Lieut of my company in spirit it cant be so a committe of those "dignified Laborers" waited on him this morning and informed him to that effect he may draw the pay, but never the countenance or respect of the men Hoping the War will terminate in time to assist in making you Senator

I remain yours until Death

Benj F Force Cap

Co H 25 Ill Vol

PS

Pope's 30000 [rescuers?] somewher', Enemy nowher' - Major Belle Reynold's well when last heard from

BFF

Capt B. F. Ford.

Jacinto Miss July 19

Regarding appt. of young Paddock 1st Lt of his comp - down on it. &c -

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