J. M. Riley to Richard Yates

with Lawrence Cahill letter 1/11/64

Head Quarters Co I. "8th" Reg I. C

Lawson Genl Hospital

St Louis Mo Jan 16h 1864

To His Excellency Richard Yates Govenor of Illinois.

Govenor

I respectfully beg leave to State that I have been authorized by C. I. 8th Reg I. C to forward to your excellency this petition, And to speak for them.

This Company has 75 men on its roll, but three of those have never reported to the Company, Thus the actual strength of the Company is but 72, And three of this Number are on a furlough, which leaves 69 present every one has signed this petition, and we know those who are on furlough would Sign it if they were here. We respectfully state that we enlisted as Volunteers, with the right and privilege of Choosing our own officers. And we feel that this is still our right, or it should be our right, Our wounds have disabled us from field service. This certainly should not disfranshise us of choosing our own officers again. And we are loth to beleive that the goverment for which we have fought and bled will take from us this privilege. And compel us to accept such officers as may be put over us regardless of how little experience or Judgement they may have, A large portion of us are Illinoians, the rest are

from different states. But as one man we earnestly, yet most respectfully appeal to your excellency and ask you to forward this pettion to his excellency President Lincoln, and use your influence in urging in our behalf the appointment of Sergt Flick to the position of Second Lieut of this Company.

Beleiving it to be our right as Volunteers to have our choice of at least one officer, and that your excellency will so consider it.

We cheerfully leave it in your hands, confidant if there is any help for the Widows Son, that our rights through you will be granted us, and thereby justice would be done to Sergt Flick, and the best interest of this Company promoted.

I am Sir Very Respcty

Your Obdt Servant

J M. Riley

Co I. 8th Reg I. C

Riley I M.

Co I 8th Regt I. C.

Saint Louis

Jany 16 1864.

Encloses petition from 69 members of company recommending George W Flick for 2 Lieut.

Apply for them & write them fully

Executive Office Jany 21 64