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Abraham E. Smith, Owner and Proprietor
Office of the Woodstock Sentinel. Job Printing Establishment in Post-Office Building, South-East Corner Public Square. TERMS - $200 per annum
Woodstock, Ill. Dec 17, 1864
Gov. Yates:
Dear Sir:
Perhaps it has escaped your mind owing to the many such letters you undoubtedly receive, and are compelled to answer. That Hon. M. L. Joslyn our Representative is a Lower House elect. and myself wrote you concerning a promotion of Adjutant Wm. E. Smith of the 124th Illinois Infantry. You wrote me a letter of reply, stating that when a suitable opportunity offered, you would do all that lay in your power. There is no vacancy in the field offices of his regiment, therefore he has no chance [of?] [promotion?] [there?].
His friends here and with his regiment think they see in the the new Veteran Corps now being raised by Gen. Hancock, a fit opportunity. Adjutant Smith has served two years and a half in the Army, and was officially complimented for his bravery in the battle of Grand Gulf and Champion Hills, in which last battle he was severely wounded. [illegible]
[illegible] this Veteran Corps is designed to be officered by such as he. Could you Governor give his permission to come home and recruit men, with a view to securing a Major's commission in one of the Regiments to be got up from this state. Perhaps you have power to secure his commission right out. If you will do so, or use your influence to do so, rest assured that the friends of Adjutant Smith of the 124th Illinois who are numerous and influential hereabouts, will be your friends true and steadfast. The Adjutant is endorsed by Gen. John A. Logan, his former division commander, also by Gen. Slocum on whose staff he served for a short time. And by Gens. [Leggett?], Force, M, L. Smith, and [illegible], under whom he has served at different times.
Please answer at your earliest convenience, and oblige.
Your obedient Servant,
Abraham E. Smith
Smith Abraham
Woodstock Dec 17th 1864
Calls your attention to a letter which he and Hon. Joslyn wrote some time ago asking you to promote Adjt. Wm. E. Smith of 124th Ills Vols. - As there is no chance for promotion in his Reg't he requests that he be allowed to come home & recruit for Hancock's Corps. with a view to being commissioned Major.