Rudolph Wentzel to Richard Yates

With Rudolph Wentzel letter 8/17/64 With George Bangs letter 8/10/64

Belleville Aug 16th. 1864.

Dear Sir,

Some time ago I was in your City, with the expectation to converse with your honor, but it so happened that you was absent from the city. I have served uncle Sam now 3 years & 4 months; and I am now a reinlisted veteran, I have fought a good many hard battles as stated in the [aubeg?] inclosed letter, I am now desirous to obtain promotion to obtain command of a Negro Regiment or Company to which I think I am entitled for the services I and my dear wife have performed; she as well as myself has been with me in every battle named in the enclosed letter, in regard to my qualifications I can give the best of references from Officer in the Army; as well as from Citizens at home to my

character, I can not forbear; but say to your honor, that I cannot for some particular reason I have which I will disclose to your honor when opportunity will offer, go again in to the 43 Ills Regiment. I would prefer &c to go in to a negro Command as private before I would go into 43 Ill. Therefore if there is any chance to releive me from this 43 Ills Regiment I don't care what negro Company or Regiment I recive, so the first of September next, If you have no objection I will come and receive from yours personally The answer to my application

Yours with respect

Rudolph Wentzel.

To His Ex Govenor Yates of the State of Illinois at Springfield

Wentzel Rudolph

Belleville Ills.

Aug 10th 1864.

He is a member of 43rd regiment and does not like the position of private wants authority to raise a Regt. or Company of colored troops.

Ansd

H