[Richard Yates] to George S. Bangs

State of Illinois

Executive Department.

Springfield Aug 9th 1861

Geo. S. Bangs Esqr.

Aurora. Ills.

Sir:

During my absence East last Month your letter of July 23rd came to my office and I regret to say did not reach my notice until to day. Allow me to direct your attention to the facts connected with organization of the Cavalry forces in this State. and from them am sure your mind will be disabused of the opinion that the merits of Capt Jenks and his Company have been overlooked.

The act for raising a regiment of Cavalry compelled the acceptance of Companies in the order in which their services were tendered in the Adjutant Generals Office. Upon examination of his records,

I find that Capt. Burchells Company was tendered before that of Capt Jenks, and as but one Company could be accepted from your County was left without discretion in assigning the Company to be received. This accounts for the despatch to Capt B. at time of organization of the First Regiment. When authorized by the Secretary of War to raise another regiment (the 2nd) a despatch was sent to Capt Jenks asking how soon he could report a full company (July 4th) to which he replied that his Company had disbanded but would raise one ready for service in twenty days. Orders from War department being peremptory to have Companies ready in less time, he could not of course be received. We were encouraged to believe that Capt Dodson could sooner report and upon that condition was accepted. If the Adjutant failed to reply to Capt Jenks last despatch it was an oversight, and

one regretted. Capt. Jenks did all that was necessary to insure consideration and nothing but his inability to respond in time prevented his admission to the Second regiment. I wish you and Capt Jenks and all friends of the Administration would take the trouble to first possess yourselves of facts connected with measures you esteem mysterious, before indulging the belief that our best men are kept in the background, or that the gallant fellows who have gone first to the field are without the material aid & sympathy of those who direct their movements.

I know nothing of Mr Dodson, personally, but cognisant of the fact that his friends and those of Col Burchell were instrumental in securing the passage of the Cavalry regt law, and other things being equally entitled to same consideration as any who express a preference for that arm of the service.

Under my recent tender to the General.

Government three regiments of Cavalry will be formed. and I hope Capt Jenks will raise and report his Companys, the acceptance of which you are herby assured of if he can respond in time. Orders touching that point have been or will be furnished him by the Adjutant General.

Copy of letter to Geo. S. Banks

Aurora

Aug 9.