J. E. Calaway to Richard Yates

Chattanooga Tenn July 27 1864

Gov Rich Yates,

Dear Governor,

From the papers I learn the Governor of Ohio under the last call of the President for troops proposes to form Twenty new regiments of Infantry. Not knowing what will be your system or policy with reference to the quota from our State I venture upon this communication.

I will not presume upon giving advice nor would I ask the humble privilege of even making Suggestions but hope to be allowed to express my own views.

Allow me to say in the beginning that I have long been thoroughly convinced that our old System of recruiting has been very fatal to the interests of our army & country. Volunteering is the proper plan of forming an army when the war fever is high and the great national heart beats quick with a zealous patriotism but when the first

ardour is over and the army is formed then keep its ranks full by a sure unerring certain swift and merciless draft.

That old commutation clause (now happily repealed) was as useless as it was weak and unmanly. Then let us have the draft and let it fall upon all all alike---make every Section and every one bear the proper burden. I hope too it will not be our policy to form another new regiment---no not one.

We have now in the field one hundred skeleton regiments! About half this number are Veteran organizations. Let their ranks be filled to the minimum at least, that those proud Stern gallant old regiments that have Shed so much lustre on our fair State, may hold their organizations and perpetuate their illustrious histories and glorious records of valor and virtuous renown.

I ask this, in part, for the brave old 21st. I think the regiment that has given to the Country a Lieut General, and that has achieved glorious results by its determined and unflenching Courage and Self-Sacrificing patriotism ought to have some favors shown it,

though it never received any heretofore.

It now has about Two hundred and Twenty men being nearly Two hundred veterans.

It yet holds its organization but unless it obtains recruits will not be able to do so very long, for there will not be enough left to compose the Color-guard. There are enough men for two full companies. Then why not send it 6 or 8 full and organized Companies of one or two years men and then again will be such a regiment as followed Col Grant from Springfield July 3d 1861!

These Veteran regts have the pledge of the government that they shall hold their organizations while they have men enough to carry the Colors!

This is one of the principal considerations of their reenlistment. Then would it not be economical and justice and encouragement to the brave fellows to fill up their ranks?

I ask this much as an old soldier, believing it to be the true interest of our government to do so.

I have no personal interest in this matter other than that of patriotism and love of justice My time having expired and my health failing I left the front on the 28th of June and am now in Chattanooga on temporary duty.

I am getting my papers in order and will very soon leave the Service.

By reference to the politics of our Dist I suppose I will soon be a candidate for the Legislature I have been asked to accept the nomination and under the circumstances have concluded it was proper to do so and I am advised that I will be nominated when our convention meets at Mattoon Ills on the 3d day of next month.

Something more than a month since I sent you a recommendation to commission 1st Asst Surg. James L.[Reat?] of my regiment in the position of Surgeon of Same regt vice Eden M. Seeley resigned. Has there yet been any action taken in this case.

If you see proper please address me at Chattanooga, don't give regiment as the letter would then go to the regiment in field.

Hoping you may ever succeed in all your public aspirations and especially at our next election.

I have the honor to be

Your Obt Servt and Devoted friend

JE Callaway

Maj 21st Ills Inf

Ansd File (Senatorial)

JE Calaway

Coles County Ill

July 27. 1864

Urges certain swift and merciless draft, wishes the one hundred skeleton regt filled by drafting and no new regiments formed. Is the candidate for Legislature from Coles County. Convention meets at Mattoon Ill on the 3d day of Aug