James R. Hagman to Richard Yates

Cairo July 28. 1861.

To His Excellency

Richard Yates Esqr

Governor of Illinois

Springfield

Sir

In April last when the war broke out, in fact a little while before the Presidents proclamation, I wrote you from Chicago, where I reside, asking an appointment to some field office in any regiment of volunteers going out from this state to serve our country.

Some short time after I wrote I met you at Springfield when you did me the honor to say that you would entertain my application favorably.

Since then I have been serving as Captain in the 12th Regiment, 1st Brigade, part of the time at Caseyville and part of the time here in Cairo. The time for which we at first enlisted expires Aug 2d at which time we shall, of course, be mustered out. I have enrolled myself with a company to serve for three

years and shall be mustered in again as soon as mustered out and am determined to serve as Captain through the whole war unless, indeed, I should be so fortunate as to be promoted or advanced by you. The office I now hold, and expect to hold, is a good one but a field office of Major, Lieutenant Colonel or Colonel is better. a soldier always lives upon advancement or hope of advancement. I indulge in that hope and depend upon you for the advancement.

My object in writing you now is to say that I am still an applicant for such an appointment if there be any office unfilled and if you think me fit to fill it. I would remind you that I served nearly two years in Mexico. I have, within the last three months service, refreshed my memory in all I learned there and am now fitter for a high office than I was at the out-break of the civil war. Further, on my first applying I brought a good letter from your friend Dr Dyer of Chicago and was otherwise favorably noticed. I mention

these facts for fear that you may have lost sight of me and my recommendations.

There are quite a number of Brigades and Regiments filling in the state to which you must appoint field officers. I should esteem it a great favor to receive any such an appointment at your hands.

Your Obdt Servt

James R. Hugunin

Captain Co K

12th Regiment Ills Vols

1st Brigade

Capt Hugunin

asking Promotion