Washington Bushnell and others to Richard Yates

Ottawa, July 20th 1861

To His Excellency,

Richd Yates, Governor, &c.

Understanding that another Cavalry Regiment is about to be tendered to the Government from this State, we beg leave to call the attention of your Excellency to the propriety of appointing our fellow Citizen, the Hon. T. L. Dickey to its command.

We know Judge Dickey well; and in the general qualifications of a firm, compact, and vigorous intellect, integrity above all question, an astuteness and practical sagacity, which seems to us peculiarly adapted to the position indicated, we think he will be found

equal to any eminent citizen who could be named for the command of a Regiment. We also know that Judge Dickey has seen some service in the field; and the opinions of those who have had practical opportunity of forming a Judgment upon his practical capacity and gallant bearing, leads us to form a favorable opinion of the propriety of his appointment in that respect.

To these considerations allow us to add one or two others that seem to us not unworthy of attention. La Salle County is the second county in the state in numbers, and probably resources: and has vindicated her position by sending ten or eleven companies to the field, at an expense, to her treasury of about twenty

thousand dollars. So far, she has been little considered in military appointments. Again, Judge Dickey in the late canvass was an ardent and efficient supporter of Judge Douglass. His appointment will be a recognition, to a large class of our fellow citizens, whose support is essential to the salvation of the country, that their patriotism is appreciated and to us it appears that this recognition is due to them.

Upon the whole question, we are satisfied that your Excellency will well consult the public interest by conferring the proposed appointment upon Judge Dickey.

W. Bushnell

J O Glover

John F. Nash

J. C. Champlin