William J. Rutledge to Richard Yates

Rolla, Phelps Co Mo, Aug, 20th 1861.

Hon R. Yates

Dear Sir, If you could have witnessed the eclat with which your truly patriotic proclamation was received last night in the tents of the 14th Regt---I know you would have felt repaid for the care and labor of many a weary hour.

And now my much loved and long tried friend I want to state a simple case in a few words, knowing that you can furnish the detail. What chance would there be for Capt Cyrus Hall of Shelbyville as Col of a cavalry Regt---& Capt, T.J. Bryant as Lieut, Col?

They were both in the Mexican war, one with gen, Scott, the other with Gen. Taylor. They are both strictly temperate men---both have good english education & both are very popular with their companies & Regt---having made rapid proficiency in the drill since our organization. It so happens that Capt. Halls first Lieut. is well adapted to the Captaincy---a wealthy merchant in Shelbyville, & has often been called "The model man of the 14th---and I need not speak to you of Lieut. McKnight of Capt. Bryants who used to Merchandise in Jacsonville.

Now I apprehend that the chief difficulty in Ill. doing her whole duty in this war will be in the supply of competent prudent officers rather than in the supply of men.

If this proposal meets your approbation I will add that if there is not now enough first rate companies accepted to form a Regt---for them, from their extensive acquaintance in Ill. they would prefer raising part, or even all of them than to accept some that would be only second rate. Can they have your approval? If so I assure you from intimate association with them you will find them not second to any, but good & true. Don't think them restless in their present position, far from it, but they think they could draw out some first rate material from Ill. that could not otherwise be drawn out.

Please let me know immediately if they can be "on hand instantur."

You doubless know that the Ill. 13th, 14th, & 15th are here, add those under Rigel & Sturgess, with some cavalry & there are not nine thousand all toto.

We ought to have more men here, or the Wilson creek fight will soon be acted over again. Dont suffer such a man as Sigel to be sacraficed to the jealousy of Sturgess or "any other man".

We have a fine camp & good water, & our men never were in such fine health & spirits.

But we must, absolutely must have more men to meet McCullocks every day increasing Legions.

Praying sincerely that God may preserve your health & life during these arduous labors I remain

Most affectionalely your's

Wm J. Rutledge

P.S. I thank you for your letter to Col, Todd---Palmer is his chaplain.

Has my Bro. Edward's Co of Cavalry been accepted & assigned---if so where?

Recommending Cyrus Hall and T J Bryant

W J Rutledge