A. Erskine and others to Richard Yates

            Pine Bluff Arkansas

                       Nov. 18. 1864.

To his Excellency

         Richard Yates

              Governor of Illinois

                         Governor.

                                      We the undersigned Officers would most respectfully request you to promote Captain James Christie Company "E" 106th  Regiment Illinois Infantry to be Lieutenant Col. of the same vice Lieut Col J. M Hart Deceased Nov. 14th 1864.

                                      We have been associated with Capt'n Christie for some time at this Post and have an intimate acquaintance with him and know him to be a brave and chivalrous Soldier a thorough diciplinarian of sound and excellent Judgement and an accomplished Officer. We fully believe that the interests of the Regiment imperatively demand that Capt'n Christie should be at its head

                                      We are aware that it is quite uncommon for Officers outside of a Regiment

to make a petition of this kind, but knowing the present condition of the Regiment that it is undiciplined poorly drilled and in every way in bad repute, We feel it to be our duty to recommend Capt'n Christie as the best Ablest and most energetic Officer in it, to Command it.

                                         We have the honor to be 

                                           Very Respectfully Your Obedt Servts.

                                                  A. Erskine

                                              Col com'dg 1st Brigade Cavalry, Cav Div.

                                               M. H. Brawner Major Com'dg 7th Cav Mo Vols

                                               Lucius W Beal Lt Col Comdg 126 Ill Infy Vol

                                               T. N. Stevens  Capt. Comdg 28th Mo. Vol Inf.

                                               M. Scudder Lieut Col 5 Kans

                                               S K Harrington Major 5th/9th Cavalry & A.A.T Genl.

  106

Ctn L R D A 64

Pine Bluff Nov 19th 1864.

Clayton (Powell) Brig. Genl Comdy.

    Recommends that Capt. James Christe 106th Ills Inf be appointed Lieut Col. Also that Capt John Shockey be appointed Maj. of Said Regiment.

" C "

Hd. Qrs. U.S. Forces at Pine Bluff

  Pine Bluff Ark Nov. 19, 1864

I fully endorse the within, And Earnestly recommend Capt. Christie's appointment as Lt. Col. also Capt. John Shockey's appointment as Major. I believe these two Officers to be the best qualified in the Regt. The interest of the service requires these vacancies to be filled as soon as practiable.

   Powell Clayton

   Brig. Genl. Comdy.

Head Quarters Dept. of Ark.

Little Rock Nov. 22 1864

Earnestly recommended. There can be no doubt but that the efficiency of this Regt. would be best promoted by the promotion of Capt. Christie. Capt. Shockey, a meritorious officer waves rank in favor of Capt. Christie, which is an evidence of his axiety for the welfare of his Regt.

Very Respectfully

L Steele Brigadere Genl.

1. 2225 E and M. DA, 64

HD. QRS. DEPT OF ARKANSAS

RECD NOV 22 1864

LITTLE ROCK

A.G.O. (exo) Dec 8. 1864.