Gustave Koerner to Unknown

Belleville Sep 2. 1863.

Dear Sir. I saw Genl Pope on Saturday last. While he professes to be very anxious that some Illinoisan should be on Fremont's staff, he admitted that he had never mentioned the matter to Fremont. There is but one way to get the matter effected and that is for you to see Fremont. If the President will make me Ass. Adj. Gen. with the Rank and pay of Col. I will take the place, if you can find no person better qualified. If Fremont requests this of the President, and you do also ask it, he will do it. It is nothing to me, but I will serve, if this opportunity is given to me.

I have many applications to join my Regiment, but I take no companies unless I am satisfied that they are good ones. Col. Engleman is now on a tour of examination, so as not to be imposed upon,. I hope to form a Regiment “as is a regiment,” but it will take some time.

We have a gentleman here, Fred. Von Schrader, a man of great property, brother in law of Breese, and the Morrisons, who has been a Cavalry officer, in the Prussian service, and is now Capt. of our homeguard cavalry. He seems to understand his business remarkably well. He was a strong Douglas Democrat, (in the Morrison interest, for he is not a politician.)

and his women folks are almost secessionists, though he is a warm Union man now. He would make a splendid Col. Of Cavalry, and if you have no other competent persons, I would advise you to call upon him. He has a large business here (Distilling) but I presume he would, if called upon, give his services to the Country.

He is a perfect model of a Gentleman has nephews in the regular army, and is very intelligent.

He has been [opposing?] me bitterly in fatalities, and I have no motive in recommending him, except the good of the State, as he is an accomplished cavalry officer. He has been in the County some twenty five years, and is perfectly familiar with the Country.

Yours very truly G Koerner

Gov Koener

Miscelleous and recommending F. Von Schroeder.