Daniel D. Mattice to Richard Yates

Harrisburgh July 2d 1863

Hon Richard Yates

Dear Sir. From what I see in the Evansville Journal of the 27th 1863 Your Hon has offered ten thousand troops to repell invasion to the Sec of War. if that offer is accepted and the troops are to be raised by Voluntary Enlistment,I wish you would give me authority to raise a company in this and adjoining Counties. I have been in the Service but was discharged on account of my health at that time. My health is good now and I am anxious to serve my Country either in the Invalid Corps or in Volunteer service to repel invasion as a Commissioned Officer in either service. I think my previous Service as 1st Serg. in the Company being well acquainted with Military tactics entitles me to a more important position. The disease I was afflicted with is liable to return from exposure. But I apprehend no danger in attending to the duties of Capt. or Lieutenant. If you think proper to appoint me an Officer in Invalid Company I will respond to the call at any time. I am a friend to the administration a Member of the Union League, I am also a Master Mason and I am informed by the Trowel you delight to render M Ms all the assistance you can

consistently with the Dignity of Your Office. I have been trying to get into the service again for 12 months or more. But as a private or non commissioned Officer cannot. so if I render any further service to my County in its defence it must be by appointment. I refer you to Hon Col Olney of Sawneetown as reference as to qualifications morality Integrity &C.

We are doing Land Office Business in the Union League and from observation I think we can carry this County in 64. The way whangdoodles & Copperheads groan & fret over Our success shows they are very uneasy. If no side interest is introduced we can carry the State in a short time. I am no politician But am as much entitled to my own opinion as any man. Mr Rogers wrote a letter to you a few weeks ago in it was Capt J A Rice's letter also an affidavit from me requesting you to forward to the Sec of war a request to discharge from the Service A. G. R. Mattice a boy 14 years old in Co K 73 Reg Ills Vol. this boy young as he is now doing the duty of a soldier, I do hope you will use your influence to get him out of the service, he went into the State

reserve as a Drummer Boy. I knew he was strong enough to perform the duty of a Soldier. Now Dear Gov & friend Excuse this Langthy Epistle and if you can do any thing for me please do so, if not all right I have done my duty. Please write me whether you received Mr Rogers' letter and what disposition was made of the case &c for the relief of the Boy's afflicted mother Her health is very bad and she wants to see her son once more before Dissolution.

Yours Fraternally

Daniel. D. Mattice

Hon R Yates

Gov of Illinois

ansd July 14 63

File

Mattice D D.

Harrisburgh July 2 1863.

Wishes authority to raise a company says he is an old soldier and can organize a company in a very short time - thinks his knowledge of military tactics will entitle him to a position

Recd Ex O July 7th 1863