John S. Loomis to Richard Yates

General Head Quarters, State of Illinois,

ADJUTANT GENERAL'S OFFICE,

Springfield, October 16th 1862.

Governor,

I am informed by Major Winans that an appointment of Surgeon of 26th Regiment made this date, does not meet your approbation.

In the absence of General Fuller, permit me to state the circumstances which led to this action.

There is on file in this Department a communication from Joseph R Scott Acting Surgeon Genl USA. dated 31st July last addressed to your Excellency, and urging the "speedy appointment of capable & skillful men to fill every vacancy in Corps of Medical Officers belonging to the regiments of your State"

This document was referred to this Dept with following indorsment:

"Adjt. Genl." "Fill every vacancy without delay. To do this take the files of Surgeons and make a fair distribution through the State. make out list and have that first

examined by Board"

Previous to taking recent leave, (in respect to supplying regiments with Medical Officers) General Fuller gave me directions in accordance with custom of the office since receipt of above directions, and requiring me further to have for each vacancy to be filled the recommendation of Colonels commanding &c.

In regard to vacancy in 26th Regt. particularly, he instructed me to appoint Dr. Greene of Marengo Ills. if he passed Medical Board. Col Loomis reported here under orders yesterday to select Surgeon for his command and immediately telegraphed Dr Johnson at Chicago & he replied Dr Green had presented himself for examination but withdrew

Col L. was in haste to rejoin his regt and having made the acquaintance of Dr Whitehill yesterday in this Office (and who, as he, (Dr W.) avers, reported here (after passing Board) at direction or request of Genl Fuller, to be assigned wherever a vacancy might

be) and being favorably impressed with the Doctors appearance, concluded to select and recommend him for the post of Surgeon &c.

His appointment or recommendation is on file, and Col L left on 11 am train to day for Corinth with direction for Dr Whitehill to follow as quickly as possible

I have acted, as I thought, within limits of your instructions to the Dept. and the Genls direction to me, and with all candor, I would state, without a wish or desire to assume even that which could be though, unbecoming or officious

Since receipt of intelligence that the appointment does not meet your approval I called on Dr Whitehill (who has not been mustered) and he in a very candid and gentlemanly way returned the order to the Office and awaits your pleasure in the premises. I regret the affair exceedingly, & hope you will now think I have acted with proper discretion & have the honor to remain as ever

faithfully yrs

John S. Loomis A A Genl.

His Excellency Gov. Yates -- Present.

John S Loomis

Asst Adj Genl

Oct 16, 62

In relation to the appt of Dr Whitehill Surgeon of 26 Regt. and by what authority.

Private

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