S. P. Ohr. to Richard Yates

Carrollton Ill., Aug. 13, 1861.

Hon. Richard Yates,

Springfield, Ill:

Dear Sir: In common, doubtless, with a host of others who may be troubling you in a similar manner, I have a desire to "go to the wars," if it can be so arranged. You know my situation here, conducting a Republican paper in this "Gibraltar of Democracy." Whether I have done my country and the party any service, is not for me to say, but this I may say with truth - that I have stemmed the current as long as it seems possible to do in the present condition of business, and I must, in justice

to myself, and as a matter of dire necessity, suspend publication for a time. But I want to go out of the citadel "with colors flying," so as to give as little cause as possible for rejoicing to "mine enemies." If I can get an appointment of some kind, which will give a decent support for myself and family, I can suspend operations here with good grace, and resume hereafter, when my services may be needed more than now. I make application to you for no particular office, but throw myself upon your kindness, to do for me what you can. As you are aware, I have been a Civil Engineer, and am not unused

to camp life, though I lay no claim to military knowledge. Perhaps, in the organization of the new Regiment from Macoupin, Greene, &c., a place may be found for me as Quartermaster, or something of that nature, or you may be able to bestow me somewhere else in a position suited to my capacity. I rest the matter with your judgment and kind favor.

Please answer, if you can offer any encouragement, and if my presence in Springfield is desirable in effecting the arrangement, I will come at any time.

Very Respectfully and Truly Yours,

S. P. Ohr.

Application for position

S. P. Ohr.

Carrolton

ackd. Aug 19.