E. N. Bates to Richard Yates

Centralia Dec 19th 1864

His Excellency

Gov. Richard Yates

Dear Sir.

I am informed by Col A .F. Rogers, whom your Excellency commissioned, a few weeks since, as Col of the 80th Ill Vol Inft. that he has resigned his commission and that his resignation has been accepted. As the next in rank the command now devolves upon me, to assure which I leave my home tomorrow for the front, regreting only that ill health has kept me so long from my Regt. Should your

Excellency see fit to promote me, Capt. Henry Zeis of Co C would by reason of his rank be entitled to the position of Major. He is in prison, where with the other unfortunate officers of the 80th he has remained nearly twenty months.

He is an experienced officer and always done his duty nobly. Though he is still in prison, I should be very sorry to see any officer put over him. There are probably several promotions which need to be made in the Regt. of which I can not speak with my present knowledge.

I am very Respectfully

Your obdt Servt.

E. N. Bates

Major 80th Ill Vol

Bates E.N. Maj. 80th Ill.

Centralia, Dec 19th 64

As Col. Rogers has resigned he will be commissioned Col. & recommends Capt Henry Zeis of Co "C" for Major.

S. G.

Send to A.G. immediately