Benjamin H. Grierson to Richard Yates

Private

Hd Qrs 1st Cav Brigade

LaGrange Tenne

Jany 23/63.

Hon Richd Yates

Governor Ills

Governor

Your Bro. William arrived yesterday and is now with me at HdQrs. You may rest assured that I will do all in my power for his welfare & advancement. Whenever I can obtain a place for him in the line I will do so, as he can then draw his pay and still remain with me on detached service as aid.

I wrote you last week asking your influence in obtaining the appointment of Brigadier General. I would not ask for the place did I not believe I could fill the position with credit to myself and the service. And if it be not to great a tax on your time & patience, let me urge you to do all in your power for me in this matter without delay. Perhaps it would be well to secure the aid of Senators Trumbull & Browning.

the former might well give me his influence in return for many a month's hard work for him. Should I receive the promotion refered to, I would like to have as favorable Rank as possible, to which I would ask your particular attention. A long list of Colonels will no doubt be promoted and I should not like to be (if it can be avoided) at the tail end. And I believe Brigadiers take Rank as their names are presented & confirmed by the Senate.

Be kind enough to let me hear from you and believe me

Governor

Truly your friend

B. H. Grierson

Letters written & answd.

Col. B. H. Grierson

LaGrange Jany 26/63

Govs. Brother William has arrived. Will take care of him. Wants Governor to press his recommendn for Brig Genl with as favorable a rank as possible.

Col Hirschback

Write a very strong letter & send a copy to Grierson