David Davis to E. R. Roe

Bloomington Ill

July 29th 1861

Dr E. R. Roe

My Dear Sir

I have been advised that Mr Hovey's regiment has been accepted by the Govr - This is very gratifying news -

I understand that you would take the place of one of the field officers in the regiment -

I sincerely hope this is true -

Your course since the war commenced has been eminently patriotic & just -

such is the universal sentiment of this community -

I wish I had the appointing power - I would consider that in appointing you as one of the field officers of the regiment I was appointing a gentleman eminently qualified & one who (I am persuaded) if enlisted in the service, would do honor to the country & credit

to his State -

And I would appoint you too on account of your politics -

It is no time now to think about party politics -

The Democratic party has nobly responded to the call of the country in its time of need & the distribution of officers in the military ranks should be such as to keep down party strife & quiet party feelings

I may be permitted to say that it will afford me infinite pleasure to aid you in any way in my power -

Yours most Truly -

David Davis