George W. Palmer and A H. Holt to Richard Yates

Monmouth Illinois

May 18. 1864

To His Excellency

Richd Yates

Governor of Ills

Dear Sir:

At the Suggestion of Gen Harding on his return from Springfield Capt Geo. W. Palmer and myself proceeded to Mercer, Knox, Henderson, McDonough & Hancock Counties, for the purpose of procuring men and Companies for the 100 days service, to rendezvous at Quincy (under your order to Gen Harding) for the purpose of forming a Regiment. We have labored faithfully and secured up to this time Eight Companies, five of whom are now at Quincy, two more will go tomorrow and one has unadvisedly gone to Rock Island, but which is anxious to return to Quincy. The following is a list of Companies thus secured -

Capt McClanahan Monmouth - Capt Johnson Young America

" Reece Berwick " Osborne Aledo Mercer Co

" Johnson Prairie City " Veatch Tennessee

" Crosthwait Biggsville " Hunt Wataga

Two more are far advanced but not fully organized thus making a Regiment. We feel authorized to say that the Companies above named went to Quincy with the expressed wish that we should hold the first two offices in the Regiment, entertaining a hope, however, that Gen Harding would command the Regiment. We are very much surprised to learn that Gov Wood has been appointed Colonel of this Regiment but shall continue our efforts to fill up and forward all the companies we can to Quincy, notwithstanding our efforts and those of our friends are to insignificant to be estimated by the Executive.

With profound respect

We have the honor to be

Very Respectfully

Your Obdt Servts

Geo W. Palmer & A H Holt

Holt A H.

Monmouth

May 18 1864

Has raised and sent to Quincy 7 Companies with the understanding that he and Mr Palmer were to hold the field positions in the Regt. Sends a list of the Companies, have learned that Gov Wood is to be the Col, will continue to raise and send forward men, &C -

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to be taken up again if necessary