James E. Callaway to Richard Yates

Chattanooga Oct 29th 63 Gov Yates

Dear Sir I am desirous of obtaining a commission as a Colonel of one of the first Regi-ments to be organized in Illinois under the President's late Proclamation calling for 300,000 additional volunteers. My time is rapidly drawing to a close with the 21st - being now numbered by months. I do not expect to quit the Service while hostilities continue and therefore desire a more per-manent and better command. The 21st has two field officers perhaps three left. The Colonel is supposed to have been killed at Chicamauga and the Lieut Col.(M. Mackin) was taken prisoner. If the Colonel should return to the reg't

"all right" if not, and the Lieut Col does I can not serve under him. I write this sitting in bed being prostrated by ill - health when I am able to get out (in three or four days I think) I will send you the "Record" I have made in the army. So that all other considera-tions aside you could have no fears or hes-itancy in granting my request. If you should [illegible] to me a Commission and the "Record" is not amply satisfactory why I will vacate that's all. Please answer immediately either by telegraph (at my expense) or by letter. If by Telegraph to Chattanooga Care of Surgeons J L Teed U.S.V. if by letter to my address "Palmers Div. 4th Ala." With a prayer Governor for your health and happiness I am Your Obt Servant J E Callaway Maj. 21st. Inf. Vol.

Calloway James E Major 21st Reg't

Chattenooga Oct 29 63

Wishes to be appointed Col of the first new Regiment raised in this State.

Answered Nov 12th 1863 Explaining that no new Field Officers would be appointed as enlistments would be for old regts only

Loomis ADC

Executive Office Nov 9 63