Thomas Reynolds to Richard Yates

Camp at Arcadia Mo

June 28 1863

His Excellency Richard Yates

Springfield Ills

Dear Sir

You will pardon me I hope for addressing this to yourself enclosing the recommendation which I hope will have your early attention. I have been nearly two years in the service & while I have a gallant Regiment to boast of I feel & have long felt a great pride in my own state & would much prefer being associated with a regiment reaping honors for the old "Prairie State" as it looms up in promptitude gallantry & daring upon many a battle field and I would say owing much to a gallant Executive did I not fear you would think I wish to flatter which is far from my intention You are recognized every place by all soldiers in the field as their truest and best friend Hoping you may be able to do me so signal a service as to place me by over

promotion among the troops of my own state there to do battle for the union till the last vestage of this rebellion shall be wiped out

I am sir Respectfully

Your obedient Servant

Thomas Reynolds

PS

I reside in loyal old Henderson County Illinois of which I am proud save that some neighborhoods are somewhat Copperheadish which the returned soldiers will make "all right"

TP