D. H. Gilmer to Richard Yates

Springfield Aug. 29. 1861

To his Excellency

R. Yates

Sir

I was surprised at our meeting a few days ago that you should ask me to procure recommendations for the position of Major

1st Because you had voluntarily tendered me the place

2nd Because you have appointed a man to the place both morally and physically incompetent

3rd Because you have given positions to men who opposed you and who tried to compel me to oppose you and who have not more military merit than myself

4th because you have appointed and are still appointing men whose sympathies are against the Energetic prosecution of the War -

When at Bloomington I had to disobey instructions to support you and thereby joepardised the interest of other friends & thereby no doubt defeated myself in my application for office last winter, and now after

having served three months I find that you have accepted more companies in Pike than can be filled and thus I am thrown out of the service

I do not intend to try for a place for myself and I do release you and all other persons of political obligations to me at the same time I deem it due to the Country that men of undoubted patriotism should be promoted to office and I tremble when you appoint such men as McCrillis who last winter was an open secessionist and I fear is so yet at heart

If an opportunity presents itself of advancing Lieut Anthony [illegible] & you should do so you will do the country good service

Your Obt servt

D. H. Gilmer

D. H. Gilmer

about position as Major