Lafayette P. Bowler to Richard Yates

Co. "B" 3rd U S (Cold) Artillery Heavy

Fort Pickering Memphis Tenn

2nd August 1864.

To His Excellency Richard Yates Gov of Illinois.

Sir, I have the honor to make application to you for a position as a line officer in one of the Regts that is going to be raised in Illinois under the last call for Five hundred thousand Troops.

Presuming upon my efficiency to fill such a position. I have been in the service since August 12th 1862 Serving in Co "I" 117th Ills Vol Infantry, until June 5th 1863 when I was discharged from said Co and Regt. by Order of Maj Gen S.A. Hurlbut and appointed and mustered into Co "B" 1st Tennessee Heavy Artillery of A D as 1st Sergeant (now the 3d US Colrd Artillery Heavy.) My residence is in O"Fallon St Clair Co Illinois where my Father now resides. For referances I refer you to Col John Thomas John Baker. Sheron Tyndale of Belleville Illinois. also to Co I. G. Kappner Commanding Fort Pickering Tenn. and further information concerning my character as a man and Soldier, the endorcments on this application, will show, the desired information over

I respectfully submit this to your honor for consideration

I am Govnor

Very Respectfully. Your Obedient Servant

Lafayette P Bowler

1st Sergeant Co "B" 3d U S Cold Art (Heavy) Fort Pickering Memphis Tenn

L Bowler

Co "B" 3d US Col Art Hey. Fort Pickering Tenn. 2d August 1864.

Bowler Lafayerre. P 1st Sergt. Co"B" 3d US Col Art Heavy

Respectfully makes application for a position as line Officer in one of the Regts that is going to be raised in Illinois under the last call for Five hundred thousand troops.

Co "B" 3d US Col Arty Hy

Fort Pickering August 3 64

I would respectfully recommend Sergt Bowler having been his Comdy Officer for sometime and and I know he poseses the ability for any line Office

Respectfully James M Ball Lieut Comdg Co "B" 3 U.S. Col Ary Hy

Fort Pickering Tenn 3rd Aug 1864

Sergt L. P. Bowler reported to me over one year ago as artillery Sergt Co "B" (then 1st Regt Tenn [illegible] Ast. of A.D.) and has since that time been ever faithful in the discharge of his duties as such, & has many times been detailed as officer of the guard doing the duty of a com. officer which has been ever faithfully done. Has a good knowledge of Company Books papers &c Is of good moral character.

[J M B Marston?] Capt 3d U.S.C. Art (Hy) Cmdg Company "A"

Hd Qrtrs: 1st Batt: 3d U.S.C.A. Fort Pickering Tenn Aug 2/64

Respectfully forwarded with the following statement I am perfectly confident that 1st Sergt. L.P. Bowler will fill the position as a line officer in any Regiment with the satisfaction of his superiors. he is a good soldier

Orvil Smith Major Comdg 1st Batt: 3rd U.S.Col Arty.

Aug. 8 1864

Gov. Yates: I have been long & well acquainted with G.W. Bowler of St. Clair County (father of the applicant Sergt Bowler) & know him to be a most admirable man, of very high moral worth, and first rate loyalty: from what I hear of the son I have no doubt he is worthy of his father & deserving of your favorable consideration

J. Baker

John Thomas

J B Underwood

Belleville Ills Aug 8 1864

I fully concur in the foregoing recommendation

N. Niles Late Col 130th Ills Vols

Also Sharon Tyndale