D.W. Munn to Richard Yates

with Thomas J. Taylor and William R. Boyd letter 3/8/63

Head Qurs 126th Regt Ill Inftry.

Jackson Tenn April 1st 1863

To His Exellency Richd Yates

Gov of Illinois

I forward the enclosed letter from an unhung traitor in my own county, as a fair sample of those frequently received from citizens of old Montgomery.

It needs no comment. I have thought of sending it, or some one of kindred doctrine to some Northern Paper for publication, but am ashamed to give them publicity, emanating as they have from a County that has sent over a Regt of true Solders into the feild. Again it will be giving "comfort to the rebels" to publish such sentiments from their northern allies.

As executive of the State I think you should know the feeling in all sections; hence I send it. Other letters state that bands are being organised and drilled in Montgomery Co. with the avowed purpose of resisting the military authorities.

For the sake of the cause in which our nation is engaged; for the protection of the dear ones, we - the solders - have left behind us; and in order that the glorious reputation which has been achieved for our State since your Election as Gov, may continue to be unsullied, I beg of you hurl the home traitors into _______ submission.

over

A word on military business.

When the commissions were sent to this Regt - the 126th a 2nd Lts Com. came to Lt Joseph W Newberry, and none for 2nd Lt Edwin T Sammons, both of Co "D" Lt Sammons was mustered into the service Sept 4th as 2nd Lt Co "D" & Lt Newberry as 1st Lt. The Col requests me to ask you that their Commissions be sent them.

Your humble servant has tendered him the Colonelcy of a Cavalry Regt. in the Mounted brigade, which Brig Gen'l Belvato has lately been authorised by the War Dept - to raise. Independent - It may not succeed although the prospect is now very favorable - my friends have about convinced me that I ought to command a Regt - At least I have concluded, that if I can serve my country as successfully in that capacity, that the Rank and pay will not "set me back any." If I fail in this & you have a place to put me, I will be under everlasting obligations.

The sentiment in the army here is all right. The unanimous cry of the solders is "lead us forward." Give us "somthing to do"

Hoping for the speedy overthrow of this hellish rebellion & the reunion of all the States - Except South Carolina - I remain Your Most Obt Sert

D.W. Munn

Adj't 126th Ill Vs

D W Murrin

Adjt 126th Regt Ill Vol

Jackson Tenn April 1st 1863.

Encloses a secesh letter from a traitor in his own county old Montgomery - Wishes commission sent for Co D his regt - Says he has been tendered the Coloncy of the regt ordered to be raised in that section of the country should he fail hopes the Governor will do something for him.

file

Recd Ex O April 8 1863