Joseph W. Barr to Richard Yates

St Louis Aug 16th 1862

To His Excellency

Richard Yates

Gov of the state of Illinois

Dear Sir

Having recently resigned My position as 1st Leut, of Co I 8th Regt Mo Vols - and arrived in this City but a few days since, I write you to ask if there is a chance of obtaining a good position in any of the Regts now forming in your state I think I am competent to fill any position in any Regt - I acted as Adjt of the 8th for some three months Will refer to Brig Genl M L Smith, Col Giles A Smith Maj D.T. Kirby, Capt D P. Grier of the 8th Mo - and George C. Bester of Peoria now in this City

Yours Respectfully

Joseph W. Barr

Joseph W Barr

St Louis

Augt 16

Resigned officer wishes to get another position

The War Dept says resigned officers can only be appointed under "Very Special Circumstances" Must first be elected & if the War Dept suspend the rule then O.K.