James Grimshaw to Richard Yates

Quincy Ills. 15 August 1864

Governor Yates

Springfield, Illinois Dear Sir:

Mrs. Morton of this place has just handed me the enclosed letter. Be kind enough to read it and re-enclose it to me. It explains itself and agrees with my own views except so far as you have called for the Regiment for Alton.

I hope so far as it can be accomplished by you, the old Regiments and their worthy officers will be saved by being filled up by such volunteers & drafted men as can be got and that officers who have done effective service and proved practically their competency will not if we can prevent it be inflicted to impertinant examinations on catch-questions by men who never smelt powder. I could not to day pass an examination for admission to the bar on the questions that many unpracticed lawyers put to students. Many of our best volunteer officers who have now served nearly three years and a half and are practically the best officers we have and know

their duty well have forgotten the reasons for their skill at the cannons mouth.

We all feel great interest in our brave men and efficient Regaments, I hope we can keep them up to an effective standard.

Lt. Col. Morton of 84th Ills Vol. Infantry is brother of your old acquaintance John F. Morton, his wife to whom the letter is written is a daughter of the late Archibald Williams and one of our true, fairest women. This whole subject had occurred to me before.

Much obliged for your official attention to my application for Major Burns release---he got home a short time ago, on parole as a civilian---he did not escape as letter sent me by you supposes

Yours truly

Jackson Grimshaw

Grimshaw, Jackson

Quincy Ill. Aug 15th 1864

Encloses letter of Mrs. Morton

Does not want old officers to be compelled to submit to an examination by their inferiors

Aug 22, 64 And. & Proc sent

Please write to Grimshaw & enclose Proclamations marked as men going into old Regiments & say I believe it is answer to his letter---if not happy to answer further. Also send 2 copies of the Procs to Mrs Morton